Stakeholders advocate access to justice for women
Stakeholders have warned that failing to address barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice in Nigeria could have far-reaching consequences, urging stronger action to build inclusive and responsive justice systems. They made the call on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the Cost of Justice Anthology, a collection of stories highlighting the experiences […]
hammer court with scales justice lawyer
Stakeholders have warned that failing to address barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice in Nigeria could have far-reaching consequences, urging stronger action to build inclusive and responsive justice systems.
They made the call on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the Cost of Justice Anthology, a collection of stories highlighting the experiences of women navigating justice systems that often fail them.
The event, held at the UN House, was supported by UN Women in collaboration with the South-Sahara Social Development Organisation as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day 2026, themed “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls.”
Speaking at the event, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said ensuring equal access to justice and protection for women and girls remains critical to achieving broader societal transformation.
She noted that UN Women continues to collaborate with the Nigerian government and development partners to strengthen protection mechanisms for women across the country.
Also speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative and Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said the anthology highlights the harsh realities many women face, including violence and unresolved injustice.
According to her, while discussions often focus on the cost of seeking justice, the consequences of failing to act on injustice can be equally devastating.
Executive Director of the South Sahara Social Development Organisation, Stanley Ikechukwu, described the anthology as a major effort to amplify the voices of women and expose systemic barriers in the justice system.
He said the publication reflects the struggles women encounter in seeking accountability and fairness, stressing that justice should not come at an unaffordable cost.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Ebele Obiafunu reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect women and girls and advancing gender equality in Nigeria.
Organisers said the anthology aims to spark conversations among policymakers, civil society groups and development partners on the need to remove systemic barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice.