CAPPA Calls for Enhanced Protections and Inclusive Policies for Women on IWD 2026
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Nigerian government at both federal and state levels to implement stronger protections and more inclusive policies for women, as Nigeria observes the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day (IWD).
In a weekend statement, CAPPA highlighted that this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the ongoing reality that women in Nigeria bear a substantial share of the labor that sustains families, communities, and the broader economy.
The organization emphasized that women across Nigeria are responsible for managing household resources, caring for children and relatives, and often maintaining the family’s stability amid economic hardships. Despite these vital contributions, many women and girls still lack access to essential services and protections necessary for a dignified life. Millions of Nigerian women face difficulties accessing clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and other basic needs.
CAPPA also raised alarm over the persistent issue of gender-based violence. Citing the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the group revealed that approximately 31 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while around 9 percent have faced sexual violence at some point in their lives. It further noted that over 10,326 cases of gender-based violence were reported between January and September 2025.
Growing concerns around femicide in Nigeria have led advocates and civil society groups to repeatedly call on authorities to treat the killing of women as a national emergency and to reinforce prevention and accountability measures.
Economic disparities worsen the challenges faced by women. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that women are disproportionately employed in low-income and informal sectors, which offer limited job security and social protections. Women farmers, traders, and small business owners struggle to access credit, land, and other vital resources needed for their livelihoods, while rising living costs place additional burdens on women responsible for household welfare.
The organization also pointed out the low representation of women in political decision-making. Currently, women occupy only about 3.9 percent of legislative seats in Nigeria—one of the lowest rates worldwide. Out of 469 National Assembly members, only 19 are women, with 15 in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.
CAPPA noted that Nigeria ranks 180 out of 185 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s global ranking for women’s parliamentary participation and remains the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even women who have entered political leadership face sexism, exclusion, and undermining in male-dominated environments.
“These realities expose a clear contradiction,” the statement said. “Nigerian women give so much to sustain society, yet many continue to live within systems that fail to guarantee their safety, health, political participation, and economic security.”
The theme **“Give to Gain”** is seen by CAPPA as a demand for accountability, urging governments at all levels to acknowledge women’s contributions by creating conditions that enable them to live and lead with dignity.
The organization called for increased investment in public services such as water, healthcare, sanitation, and education. It also stressed the importance of stronger laws and enforcement to prevent gender-based violence and protect civic space so women leaders, organizers, and advocates can operate without fear of repression.
Further, CAPPA urged policymakers to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work through measures like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and infrastructure that reduces time poverty for women. It also emphasized the need for gender-responsive budgeting, better access to credit for women entrepreneurs, and policies aimed at closing the gender pay gap.
On political representation, CAPPA advocated for legislative reforms such as the proposed **“Special Seats for Women Bill”** to increase women’s participation and amplify their voices in shaping national policies. The organization called for the bill’s swift passage.
CAPPA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Nigerian women organizing around critical issues. The organization highlighted that women’s leadership at the community level demonstrates that when women organize, societies advance towards justice.
“As we reflect on the theme ‘Give to Gain,’ true progress for Nigeria lies in recognizing and reciprocating the contributions of its women,” CAPPA said. “Investing in women’s rights remains fundamental to building a just and sustainable future for all Nigerians.”