09/03/2026
CSOs Urges Kogi Govt to Strengthen Enforcement Laws, Protect Women, and Girls From Violence, and Discrimination during the Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT
International Women’s Day 2026
Theme: Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls
Accelerating Action to End Gender-Based Violence and Advance Women’s Rights in Kogi State
Today, as the global community commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, we join millions around the world in celebrating the strength, resilience, and remarkable contributions of women and girls in our society.
This year’s global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” championed by UN Women, calls on governments, civil society, and communities to move beyond commitments and take bold and concrete steps toward achieving gender equality.
As a coalition of civil society organizations in Kogi State working to promote women’s empowerment and liberation, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). These principles demand that women and girls everywhere live free from discrimination, violence, and systemic exclusion.
In 2026, we place particular emphasis on the urgent need to end gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, trafficking, and other harmful traditional practices. Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive violations of human rights globally and within our communities.
For many women and girls in Kogi State, violence and discrimination continue to undermine their dignity, limit their opportunities, and silence their voices. International Women’s Day is therefore not only a celebration - it is a call to action.
Women in Kogi State play a central role in the social and economic development of our communities. They contribute significantly to agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, public service, and community leadership. Despite these contributions, women continue to face systemic barriers, including:
Limited access to economic resources and land ownership
Underrepresentation in political processes, particularly in party politics and decision-making spaces
Inadequate protection and response systems for survivors of gender-based violence
These challenges demand urgent and collective action. Ending gender-based violence is not solely a women’s issue - it is a societal responsibility.
Our Call to Action
In alignment with the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026, we call on all stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward gender justice and equality.
1. The Kogi State Government
Strengthen enforcement of laws that protect women and girls from violence and discrimination.
Increase funding for GBV response services, including safe shelters, legal aid, and survivor support systems.
Ensure effective implementation of gender policies and domestication of relevant national and international frameworks that promote women’s rights.
2. Traditional and Religious Leaders
Champion cultural reforms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls. Leaders in positions of authority must speak openly and consistently against domestic violence, child marriage, and other harmful practices.
3. Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners
Expand awareness and advocacy campaigns in both rural and urban communities across the state, while supporting sustainable economic empowerment programs for women and girls.
4. Men and Boys
Become active allies in the fight against gender-based violence and challenge harmful stereotypes and social norms that perpetuate inequality and discrimination against women.
Our Advocacy Priorities
As a coalition committed to gender justice, we advocate for:
Equal access to education and economic opportunities
Increased political participation and representation of women
Safe spaces free from violence, harassment, and intimidation
Access to quality healthcare, including reproductive health services
Protection of the girl-child from early marriage, exploitation, and abuse.
CONCLUSION:
On this International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to accelerating action toward a future where every woman and girl in Kogi State can live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.
Let this day be more than a celebration.
Let it be a turning point for rights, justice, and action for all women and girls.
https://kogireports.com/cso-urges-kogi-govt-to-strengthen-enforcement-laws-protect-women-girls-from-violence-discrimination/
