Young Women’s Renewed Hope Coalition (YWRHC) Marks International Women’s Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Rights, Justice

On this year’s International Women’s Day, the Young Women’s Renewed Hope Coalition (YWRHC) joins millions around the world in celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of Nigerian women while reflecting on the global theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

In a statement signed by the Director, Strategy & Public Affairs, Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, emphasising that the theme is a powerful reminder that the advancement of women must go beyond recognition to ensuring the protection of rights, access to justice, and deliberate action that creates equal opportunities for every woman and girl.

In Nigeria, we acknowledge ongoing efforts to advance women’s participation in leadership and governance. We commend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s representation and inclusion in public life, including the appointment of female leaders across ministries and federal agencies, advisory roles and diplomatic positions. These steps contribute to ensuring that women’s voices are represented in decision-making spaces and national development processes.

We also recognize initiatives that support women’s economic empowerment and social development, including the expansion of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, which is working to provide millions of Nigerian women with access to finance, skills development, markets and support networks. Such initiatives are essential in ensuring that women not only participate in the economy, but are able to build sustainable livelihoods and support their families.

Equally important is the need to strengthen access to justice for women and girls, particularly in addressing discrimination, gender-based violence and structural barriers that limit equal participation. Protecting the rights of women requires strong institutions, responsive policies and sustained advocacy that ensure fairness and accountability across all sectors of society.

As young women leaders, the Young Women’s Renewed Hope Coalition reaffirms its commitment to turning the ideals of rights, justice, and equity into action. We will continue to advocate for policies that expand opportunities for women and girls, promote leadership development, and support initiatives that empower women economically, socially and politically.

This International Women’s Day, we call on governments, civil society, the private sector and community leaders to work together to ensure that every Nigerian woman and girl can live with dignity, exercise her rights, access justice and fully contribute to national development.

Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls must be more than a theme, it must be a collective commitment.

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