Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has called on the Federal Government and state authorities to adopt stronger protections and more inclusive policies to improve the welfare and rights of women in Nigeria.
The group made the call in a statement marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, noting that despite their central role in sustaining families and communities, many Nigerian women still lack access to essential services and adequate protection.
CAPPA said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” reflects the reality that women shoulder a significant share of labour that supports households, communities, and the broader economy.
According to the organisation, millions of women across the country continue to face challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and other critical services required for a dignified life.
The group also raised concerns about the persistence of gender-based violence, citing findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey which show that about 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while around 9 per cent have faced sexual violence.
CAPPA further noted that more than 10,326 cases of gender-based violence were reported between January and September 2025, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention and accountability measures.
Economic inequality, the organisation said, continues to worsen the challenges facing women, noting that data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that women are more likely to work in low-income or informal sectors with limited job security and social protection.
The organisation also expressed concern over the low level of women’s representation in political decision-making. According to CAPPA, women currently occupy about 3.9 per cent of legislative seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly of Nigeria, with only 19 female lawmakers among 469 members.
CAPPA therefore called for increased investment in public services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, and education, as well as stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to address gender-based violence.
The group also urged policymakers to address the burden of unpaid care work through measures such as affordable childcare, paid family leave, and infrastructure improvements that reduce time pressures on women.
On political participation, CAPPA advocated the passage of the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill, saying it would help increase women’s representation and ensure their voices play a stronger role in shaping national policies.
