IWD 2026: CISLAC Warns Of Backsliding on Women’s Rights, Demands Urgent Gender Reforms In Nigeria
At a time when the global community is pushing for stronger protection of women’s rights, concerns are mounting that progress in Nigeria may be slowing down rather than accelerating.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for urgent and transformative reforms in Nigeria’s laws, policies and governance structures to protect and advance the rights of women and girls.
In a statement to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned that recent developments suggest a worrying backslide on gains previously recorded in promoting gender equality and inclusion in the country.
According to the organisation, despite years of advocacy and awareness campaigns, deep structural inequalities, discrimination and poor representation in leadership continue to undermine the participation of women in Nigeria’s democratic and development processes.
CISLAC stressed that Nigeria must move beyond symbolic commitments and pursue deliberate gender transformation through reforms that address gaps in legal frameworks, policies and institutional practices affecting women.
The organisation also criticised political parties for failing to demonstrate adequate commitment to gender balance, noting that the absence of strong affirmative action within party structures continues to restrict women’s access to elective and appointive offices.
On the economic front, CISLAC raised concerns over what it described as the “double burden of poverty and exploitation” faced by many Nigerian women due to limited access to credit facilities, financial services and broader economic opportunities.
The group further expressed alarm over the persistent cases of gender-based violence across the country, including attacks, harassment, kidnappings and other forms of abuse targeted at women and girls.
It called on 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 achievements of Nigerian women in sectors such as governance, business, education and healthcare, CISLAC urged government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations and the private sector to work collectively to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s advancement.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting 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.
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