….. Demands Domestication of CEDAW and African Charter on Women’s Rights
Leaders all over the world have been called to enhance continued advocacy and progress in the fight for women’s rights across the globe.
The founder of Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and West and Central African Women’s Rights Coalition (WAWORC), Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) made this call on Friday during a press conference and march to the Enugu State House of Assembly, organized in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ezeilo praised the achievements of Nigerian women in various fields, acknowledging their contributions to national and global development. She highlighted the resilience and strength of women who continue to break barriers despite numerous challenges.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must recognize the progress we have made while acknowledging the long road ahead. Nigerian women have excelled in politics, business, education, and leadership. From Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Chimamanda Adichie, Amina Mohammed, Oby Ezekwesili, and many others, our women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, intelligence, and commitment to societal progress.”
She also lamented the persistent challenges women face, including gender-based violence, economic inequalities, and underrepresentation in leadership. Prof. Ezeilo urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to take urgent action to bridge these gaps and implement policies that promote gender equality.
“Every day, WACOL/Tamar SARC records around 20 cases of violence against women and girls. These cases range from physical and psychological abuse to economic deprivation and sexual violence. Harmful traditional practices, poor implementation of laws, and a culture of silence continue to fuel these injustices, leaving many women trapped in cycles of abuse.”
Prof. Ezeilo also called for increased representation of women in governance, economic empowerment programs, and stronger legal frameworks to protect women and girls, adding that achieving gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal imperative.
“In a society where women and girls are systematically denied equal opportunities, true development remains a dream. We demand the urgent domestication of international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Women’s Rights. The government must also enforce existing laws against gender-based violence and discrimination.”
The march, which saw women from various parts of Enugu State participating, concluded at the Enugu State House of Assembly, where Hon. Osita Eze, representing the Speaker, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to gender equality.
According to him, “We, the men, are the head, the women are the neck, and without the neck, there is no head. Without a woman, there is no man. Mothers are supreme, nwanyi bụ ife. Enugu State does not discriminate against women. It is our duty also to train the boy child just like the girl child. It is going to be a collective effort between the fathers, mothers, and the society we find ourselves in. We in Enugu do not discriminate based on gender in education, political representation, economic empowerment, and healthcare. This is why the 260 smart schools which are under construction are made available and free for both boys and girls. We are a gender-equal state, and we are committed to ensuring that women have a voice in decision-making processes.”
In her address, the Clerk of the House, Ngozi Silverine Egbo, assured women in the state of her full support in advancing their demands, emphasizing that women’s inclusion in governance is a priority for the state.
Using her position as a reference point, Mrs. Egbo stated that women’s inclusion in leadership is gradually becoming a reality in the state, adding that her role as the Clerk of the House is a testament to Enugu State’s commitment to gender equality.
She further emphasized that while progress has been made, more efforts are needed to ensure that women are adequately represented in governance, decision-making, and economic development.
“As a woman holding this significant position, I stand as proof that Enugu State is making strides in ensuring that women are given a seat at the table. However, we must not stop here. We need more women in leadership, in the legislature, in business, and across all sectors of society. Women’s voices must be heard, and their contributions must be valued.”
Mrs. Egbo reassured the women that their concerns and demands would not be overlooked, pledging to work with relevant authorities to ensure that policies promoting women’s rights, equality, and empowerment are fully implemented in the state.