IWD 2026: NHRC Holds Bwari Town Hall, Urges Action on Women’s Rights and Justice
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has organised a town hall sensitisation programme in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, urging stronger action to protect and advance the rights of women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN) noted that International Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women around the world, but also a time to reflect on the persistent challenges they continue to face.
Dr. Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of the Women and Children Department, Mrs. Ngozi Okore, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” underscores the need for deliberate steps to address barriers confronting women in many communities.
According to him, women and girls still grapple with issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, limited access to justice, and socio-economic inequalities.
“These challenges call for deliberate and sustained action from governments, institutions, communities, and individuals,” he said.
The learned Silk reaffirmed that the Commission, as Nigeria’s national human rights institution, remains committed to promoting, protecting, and enforcing the rights of all persons, particularly vulnerable groups, including women and girls.
Dr. Ojukwu explained that the town hall meeting was designed to provide a platform for dialogue, awareness, and engagement among stakeholders to discuss practical ways of advancing the rights of women and girls.
Traditional rulers who attended the programme commended the initiative and called for more regular sensitisation exercises to deepen awareness of human rights issues at the grassroots level.
The Esu of Bwari, who was represented at the forum by the Mai Anguwa of FCDA Quarters, Zakwoi Ibrahim, said he was delighted to participate in the sensitisation programme, noting that it would go a long way in educating the people about their rights.
Similarly, the Youth President of Bwari Area Council, FCT, Comrade Dr. Awoyi Bwari, commended the NHRC for organising the town hall, which, according to him, will raise human rights awareness among men and women in the community.
Representatives of women’s organisations, including faith-based groups and market associations, also graced the event and pledged their support towards promoting and protecting human rights, especially the rights and welfare of women and girls in their communities.
