• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The House of Representatives has joined Nigerians and the global community in marking International Women's Day (IWD) 2026, while reaffirming our commitment to strengthening legislative and institutional measures that promote the rights, inclusion, and advancement of women and girls across Nigeria. This was contained in a goodwill message signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Spokesman, House of Representatives stating that: Observed annually on March 8, International Women's Day provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Nigerian women at home and in the Diaspora whose efforts continue to shape our nation's social and economic progress. This year's theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls," underscores the urgent need to move beyond recognition toward concrete actions that advance gender equality. Despite notable progress in many areas, women and girls still face structural inequalities and systemic barriers that limit opportunity and undermine justice. Addressing these challenges requires sustained reforms, stronger institutions, and collective commitment. The global campaign "Give to Gain" further highlights that investing in women and girls through education, opportunity, mentorship, and leadership yields lasting benefits for families, communities, and national development. Expanding opportunities for women is therefore not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for sustainable growth. As the People's House, the House of Representatives affirms that promoting the rights and wellbeing of women and girls is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of governments, institutions, communities, and citizens alike. Inclusive governance and equitable legal frameworks remain essential to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that all Nigerians can contribute meaningfully to national development. In line with Agenda 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of the House Legislative Agenda, which prioritises inclusion and equal opportunity, the House has strengthened oversight of relevant institutions to ensure compliance with the National Gender Policy while advancing legislative initiatives that promote women's participation and protection. Among the initiatives currently under legislative consideration are: Gender-responsive security recruitment: Bills seeking at least 15 percent female representation in recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have passed Second Reading. Constitutional amendments to promote inclusion, including Bills that seek to: * Provide specific seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly (HB. 1383) * Allow independent candidates to contest Presidential, Governorship, and Legislative elections (HB. 1630) * Promote women's inclusion in governance for diversity and good governance (HB. 1588) * Grant citizenship rights to spouses (HB. 1195) * Mandate life imprisonment, rather than the death penalty, for pregnant women convicted of capital offences (HB. 1409) These initiatives reflect the House's determination to remove structural barriers, strengthen protections, and expand opportunities for women within Nigeria's democratic and social framework. The House also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Nigerian women across all sectors, including governance, public service, enterprise, education, healthcare, and community leadership. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership continue to shape the nation's development. Within the House itself, the 17 distinguished female Members of the 10th Assembly continue to make important contributions to legislative deliberations, policy development, and constituency representation, reinforcing the importance of inclusive leadership in Parliament. When women and girls thrive, communities prosper and nations grow stronger. The House of Representatives therefore calls on government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, and citizens to work collectively toward a society where the rights, dignity, and potential of every Nigerian woman and girl are fully realised. Source: https://thenewsguru.ng/news/iwd-2026-house-reaffirms-commitment-to-advancing-rights-justice-inclusion-for-women-and-girls/