By Aderogba George, NAN
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Abuja Prestige has called on the Federal Government to strengthen institutional and legal frameworks aimed at protecting the rights of women and girls across the country.
The call was made by the President of the chapter, Mr Joel Uwabor, on Sunday during the organisation’s 2026 March General Assembly, held alongside activities marking the International Women’s Day.
The event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” brought together stakeholders, advocates, and members of the organisation to deliberate on gender equity, justice, and inclusive development.
Uwabor said that while some progress had been made in advancing women’s rights in Nigeria, there remained significant gaps that required urgent government attention and deliberate policy action.
According to him, protecting the rights of women and girls should not be seen as optional but as a national priority that directly impacts the country’s social and economic development.
He stressed that women remain the bedrock of society, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable growth if half of its population continues to face systemic barriers and discrimination.
“The essence of this gathering is to amplify the message that when you empower women, you build stronger families, communities, and ultimately, a stronger nation,” he said.
Uwabor added that the General Assembly was significant as it coincided with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, a platform used to reflect on progress made and chart pathways for greater inclusion.
He emphasised the need for improved access to justice for women, especially those in vulnerable situations, noting that many still face challenges in seeking redress due to weak enforcement of existing laws.
“We must go beyond rhetoric and ensure that policies translate into real protection. Laws must not only exist on paper but must be effectively implemented to safeguard women and girls,” he said.
Uwabor further called on state governments that were yet to enact or strengthen gender-protective laws to take urgent steps in that direction.
He noted that societal structures often disadvantage women, creating unequal opportunities and limiting their potential in various sectors.
“There is a need to provide equity and a level playing ground so that women can thrive without encountering invisible barriers or systemic limitations,” he added.
The JCI president also urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violations are held accountable, stressing that justice must be seen to be served to deter future abuses.
He encouraged women to remain resilient and proactive, urging them to take advantage of opportunities, develop their capacities, and assert their rightful place in society.
“There is no limit to what women can achieve. They must continue to explore, innovate, and dominate spaces where they have been historically underrepresented,” he said.
Also, Mrs Joyce Lawrence, a member of the Senate Caucus of JCI, said the organisation, as a leadership platform, shares in the concerns and challenges facing women in Nigeria.
Lawrence described International Women’s Day as a critical moment for reflection, advocacy, and renewed commitment to advancing gender equality.
She said the 2026 celebration was designed not only to highlight the struggles women face but also to identify practical solutions and pathways for addressing them.
“Every year, we have these conversations, but the reality is that much more still needs to be done. The gaps remain significant, and we must intensify our efforts,” she said.
She stressed the importance of investing in women’s empowerment through education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities, noting that such investments have multiplier effects on families and communities.
According to her, empowering women economically also contributes to improved healthcare access and better living standards.
Also speaking, Mrs Irene Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, urged JCI to sustain its advocacy efforts and play a more active role in promoting women’s political participation.
Ikyegh, who served as the guest speaker at the event, said youth-led organisations like JCI have a strategic role to play in shaping public discourse and influencing policy direction.
She noted that increasing women’s representation in governance remains critical to achieving inclusive and balanced decision-making processes.
“JCI has the energy, structure, and influence to champion the cause of women by supporting calls for greater inclusion and representation in leadership positions,” she said.
According to her, the organisation’s commitment to rights, justice, and action aligns with the broader goal of building a fair and equitable society.
She urged stakeholders to move from advocacy to action, ensuring that commitments made towards gender equality are translated into measurable outcomes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the induction of five new members into the chamber, alongside the presentation of awards of excellence to deserving members in recognition of their contributions.
JCI is a global network of young active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40, committed to driving positive change through leadership development, community engagement, and impactful initiatives. (NAN)
