International Women’s Day 2026: CISLAC Urges Urgent Gender Reforms, Warns of Declining Gains for Nigerian Women

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s laws, policies and institutional systems to strengthen the protection and participation of women and girls, warning that recent trends suggest a worrying reversal of progress made in advancing women’s rights.

In a statement issued to mark the International Women’s Day 2026, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said that although awareness about gender equality has increased over the years, deep-rooted structural inequalities continue to hinder women’s meaningful participation in governance and national development.

Rafsanjani noted that discrimination, inadequate representation in decision-making positions and limited opportunities remain significant barriers preventing women from fully contributing to Nigeria’s democratic and developmental processes.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond symbolic commitments and pursue deliberate gender-transformative reforms that address weaknesses in laws, policies and justice systems affecting women.

According to him, strengthening governance structures and institutional practices is vital to accelerating the advancement of women and girls, warning that without decisive action, the progress recorded over the years could gradually be undermined.

CISLAC also expressed concern over the lack of strong commitment by political parties to gender balance, noting that many parties have yet to prioritise the deliberate inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles.

The organisation explained that the absence of firm affirmative action measures within party structures continues to limit women’s access to elective and appointive positions, thereby weakening their influence in shaping public policies and governance outcomes.

Beyond political participation, CISLAC highlighted the economic challenges facing women, stating that many Nigerian women continue to experience what it described as “double poverty and exploitation” due to restricted access to credit facilities, financial services and broader economic opportunities.

The group emphasised that empowering women economically remains a key pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving inclusive national growth.
CISLAC also raised alarm over the persistent cases of gender-based violence across the country, including attacks, kidnappings, harassment and other forms of abuse directed at women and girls.

It condemned attempts to justify or normalise violence against women and urged government authorities and law enforcement agencies to strengthen accountability mechanisms, ensure the protection of women and girls, and guarantee justice for victims.

While acknowledging the resilience and vital contributions of Nigerian women in sectors such as governance, business, education, healthcare and community leadership, CISLAC maintained that stronger institutional commitment is required to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s progress.

The organisation therefore called on government institutions, political parties, civil society groups and the private sector to work together to reform policies, strengthen legal protections and expand inclusive economic opportunities that promote gender equality in Nigeria.

CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transparency, accountability and inclusive governance while continuing to advocate reforms that guarantee the rights, dignity and full participation of women and girls in Nigeria’s development.