The Place: LIRAD Explores the Power of Art in Advocacy and Healing

The Place – art event in Abuja exploring gender equality and mental health through dance and painting, organised by Institut Français Nigeria

As part of our growing work in mental health and feminist advocacy, team members from Lex Initiative attended “The Place”, a powerful art event held on 20th May 2025 at the Institut Français, Abuja.

The event featured a captivating live collaboration between Bahir Sylla, a dancer from Benin Republic, and Nigerian painter Uche Uguru. Together, they used movement and visual art to tell deeply emotional stories of gender inequality and mental health challenges—shedding light on the hidden struggles women face in society.

Following the performance, a thought-provoking panel brought together the artists, psychologist Mr. Solumbo, and art therapist Miss Sarima, who discussed how creative expression can support healing, challenge stigma, and drive social change.

At LIRAD, we believe that advocacy must speak to both the mind and the heart. Art offers us a language of empathy, resistance, and transformation.

This experience inspires and strengthens our vision for an upcoming Art for Advocacy series that will centre lived experiences, emotional resilience, and intersectional justice through creative mediums.

📩 For partnership or project collaborations, reach us at info@liradnigeria.org

Beating Plastic Pollution Begins with Inclusion: The Overlooked Burden of Marginalised Women

World Environment Day 2025 | Theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution”

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible threats to our planet today. But behind the overflowing gutters, clogged drainages, and smoky piles of burning waste lies a deeper crisis, one of justice, protection, and inclusion.

For marginalised women in Nigeria, plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It is a daily reality shaped by systemic inequality, poor infrastructure, and legal invisibility. And if we are serious about beating plastic pollution, we must start by addressing those left out of our solutions.

Plastic Pollution Isn’t Gender-Neutral

From rural villages to overcrowded urban settlements, women, particularly those already living on the margins are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.

In informal settlements, plastic waste blocks drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases. When floods hit, it’s women-led households that bear the brunt of displacement, property loss, and health emergencies. In rural areas, plastics contaminate farms and water sources, placing additional labour burdens on women and girls responsible for collecting clean water.

Some women, especially those in vulnerable economic situations, work informally in waste collection and recycling, sorting through plastics without protective gear, formal recognition, or health coverage. Yet these women are rarely acknowledged in Nigeria’s environmental or labour policies.

Despite efforts to tackle plastic pollution, Nigeria’s legal and environmental frameworks have failed to account for the intersection of gender, poverty, and pollution.

Women affected by plastic waste are often:

  • Denied access to formal waste management systems,
  • Overlooked in environmental planning,
  • Excluded from climate resilience schemes,
  • And unprotected in both the law and practice.

The informal workers who collect and sort recyclables often sustaining the very circular economy we hope to build — operate without legal recognition, fair wages, or safety provisions.

If we do not recognise these gaps, any attempt to “beat plastic pollution” will only address the surface — not the systems of exclusion that keep women vulnerable.

What Lex Initiative Is Doing

At Lex Initiative, we believe that beating plastic pollution starts with legal empowerment, feminist lawyering, and intersectional policy change.

Our approach includes:

  • Delivering legal education in communities impacted by environmental neglect;
  • Supporting advocacy for the recognition and protection of informal waste workers, especially women;
  • Strengthening the capacity of feminist lawyers and paralegals to engage with environmental law;
  • Documenting the lived experiences of women affected by pollution, to shape policy that reflects reality.

We know that plastic waste is not distributed equally and neither are legal rights or political power.

Restoration Must Mean Inclusion

As the world rallies around the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, we must be honest: this crisis is not just about waste, but about who gets left behind when solutions are designed without them.

This World Environment Day, we call on policymakers, civil society, and the legal community to ensure that:

  • Gender and social equity are integrated into plastic regulation and waste management;
  • Marginalised women are included in decision-making and benefit from clean-up and recycling initiatives;
  • Legal frameworks protect all citizens from environmental harm, especially those at the margins.

True restoration requires recognition, representation, and rights.

A Future That Protects Everyone

Beating plastic pollution is urgent. But doing it justly is non-negotiable.

If we want clean cities, healthy rivers, and resilient communities, we must start by protecting those most exposed to pollution and least protected by the law.

Let us build a world where environmental sustainability and legal dignity walk hand in hand.

About the Author
Augusta Yaakugh-Shahin is a feminist lawyer and the Executive Director of Lex Initiative for Rights Advocacy and Development. She leads legal empowerment programmes at the intersection of gender justice, climate policy, and sustainable development.

Why Climate Justice Must Include Marginalised Women

Each year on June 5th, the world observes World Environment Day—a global reminder that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of its people. This year’s theme, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” calls on us to reverse land degradation and heal the Earth. But for many women in Nigeria, particularly those already pushed to the margins of society, the future feels far from restored.

At Lex Initiative, we work at the intersection of law, gender justice, and sustainable development. And we see firsthand that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, it is a deeply gendered justice issue. As desertification creeps across the north, floods displace thousands in the south, and drought worsens food insecurity, it is marginalised women who suffer the most, yet are heard the least.

Women on the Frontlines, Yet Left Behind

From rural farmers in Benue to displaced mothers in Bayelsa, women are often the first to feel the impacts of land degradation and ecological breakdown. In many parts of Nigeria, women are responsible for securing water, firewood, and food for their households. When natural resources dry up, they walk longer distances, face greater physical strain, and become more vulnerable to gender-based violence.

Yet these same women are frequently denied land rights, excluded from environmental policymaking, and overlooked in disaster response. Their labour sustains households and communities, but their voices remain absent in the very conversations about how to restore our environment.

For women already living on the margins — widows, indigenous women, women with disabilities, and those whose sexual or gender identities fall outside mainstream norms, the risks are even more severe.These groups often lack legal recognition, formal housing, or access to public services, making them doubly vulnerable during climate disasters. When floods or fires come, many are unable to access aid, seek shelter, or even report abuses.

The Climate Change Act: A Missed Opportunity for Inclusion

Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (2021) was a landmark moment in recognising climate threats at the national level. But it falls short in one critical area: inclusion. The Act does not adequately address gender inequality, let alone the unique vulnerabilities of marginalised women.

Without explicit mandates to involve women in climate governance, or protect those most at risk of climate-induced displacement and violence, the Act risks reinforcing the same power imbalances that the climate crisis is worsening.

True restoration demands more than ecological solutions — it requires a legal and policy framework that recognises who is vulnerable, why, and what must change.

A Feminist Approach to Climate Justice

At Lex Initiative, we believe that climate action must be feminist, inclusive, and legally grounded. We are working to close the justice gap by:

  • Providing pro bono legal support to women affected by climate-related displacement and housing insecurity;
  • Training feminist lawyers and paralegals to engage in environmental governance with a gender lens;
  • Hosting community dialogues that amplify the voices of women at the grassroots and document their experiences for advocacy and litigation;
  • And pushing for a rights-based implementation of Nigeria’s climate framework that leaves no woman behind.

Hope in Community, Power in Law

Despite the challenges, women are not passive victims. Across Nigeria, they are mobilising, planting trees, saving seeds, advocating for clean water, and holding local leaders accountable. What they need is a legal system that protects their efforts, amplifies their voices, and guarantees their rights to land, safety, and participation.

On this World Environment Day, we must confront the truth: a sustainable future cannot be built on the exclusion of half the population. If we are to restore our land, we must also restore justice, by ensuring that Nigeria’s most vulnerable women are not invisible in law, policy, or practice.

Let us be a generation that restores not just ecosystems, but equity.

About the Author:
Augusta Yaakugh-Shahin is a feminist lawyer, policy advocate, and Executive Director of Lex Initiative for Rights Advocacy and Development (LIRAD), where she leads intersectional legal advocacy focused on gender justice, climate policy, and sustainable development.

Litigating Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Nigeria: Challenges and Pathways to Reform

Litigating-Reproductive-Rights-in-Nigeria-Challenges-and-Pathways-to-Reform.png

Introduction

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is still a difficult and controversial topic in Nigeria. Restrictive laws, cultural beliefs, and poor enforcement have slowed progress. Nigeria has committed to protecting SRHR through international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Nigeria has not fully adopted key parts of the Maputo Protocol that protect women’s reproductive rights.

In Nigeria, the constitution guarantees rights to life, dignity, and liberty, which could encompass SRHR. However, the non-justiciability of the right to healthcare under Chapter II, s17(3)(c),  along with the interplay of customary, religious, and statutory laws, creates legal uncertainty. Additional challenges such as lack of awareness, judicial reluctance to address controversial cases, and cultural barriers that reinforce stigma and discrimination further hinder access to SRHR. 

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015 is also key law in Nigeria that criminalises harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and abusive widowhood rites, safeguarding individuals’ bodily autonomy. By prohibiting FGM and widowhood-related abuse, the Act acknowledges the need to protect people from gender-based violence. While significant, the VAPP Act does not address reproductive rights such as access to safe abortion, highlighting the ongoing need for more comprehensive reproductive health legislation.

To fix these issues, Nigeria needs better laws, education campaigns, and stronger institutions. Strategic litigation is a powerful way to push for change, forcing courts to address gaps in SRHR protection. Combined with policy advocacy and court reforms, legal action can challenge the systems holding back progress.

The fight for reproductive justice in Nigeria is urgent. Women and girls should be able to exercise their rights without fear of stigma, discrimination, or punishment. This article looks at the legal and cultural challenges litigating sexual and reproductive health rights and explores how legal reform can drive lasting change.

Challenges In Litigating Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Nigeria

1.      The Legacy of Colonial-Era Legislation in SRHR Litigation

Nigeria’s legal system continues to rely on colonial-era statutes that fail to reflect contemporary human rights norms. The Criminal Code (applicable in Southern Nigeria) and the Penal Code (applicable in Northern Nigeria) criminalise abortion except when necessary to save the mother’s life. These laws, inherited from British colonial rule, were historically designed to control population growth and labor supply rather than safeguard women’s reproductive autonomy.

Judicial conservatism has further entrenched these restrictions. In Patience Ekpenyong v. State, for example, the court upheld strict criminal penalties for abortion, reinforcing the restrictive stance. The persistence of such jurisprudence reflects the difficulty of shifting legal interpretations toward a rights-based approach.

2.      The Maputo Protocol: Nigeria’s Unfulfilled Commitment

Adopted in 2003 by the African Union and ratified by Nigeria in 2004, the Maputo Protocol remains the most comprehensive regional legal framework protecting women’s rights. It explicitly mandates state parties to guarantee women’s reproductive rights under Article 14, which provides for:

·         Access to safe and legal abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest, or where the pregnancy endangers the physical or mental health of the mother.

·         The right to control fertility and freely choose contraceptive methods.

·         Protection against HIV/AIDS and access to appropriate healthcare services.

The Protocol is uniquely tailored to address challenges faced by African women which are often overlooked in broader international treaties. However, while ratification signifies formal commitment, implementation is another matter. Nigeria has failed to fully domesticate Article 14, leaving many of its provisions without legal backing in this jurisdiction; creating a gap between Nigeria’s international obligations and its domestic legal framework.

3.       Lack of a Justiciable Right to Health

Unlike the fundamental human rights outlined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the provisions in Chapter II, specifically section 17(3)(c), which requires the government to ensure “adequate medical and health facilities for all persons,” cannot be enforced through the courts. This gap in the legal framework creates a loophole, enabling the government to avoid accountability for its shortcomings in providing reproductive healthcare services.

4.      The Role of Religion and Culture

Religious and cultural beliefs deeply influence Nigeria’s approach to reproductive rights. Many policymakers cite religious justifications for restricting abortion, contraception, and comprehensive sexuality education. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and denial of contraceptive access persist in some communities despite being outlawed by the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015.

Without cultural and religious buy-in, legal reforms face significant resistance. This underscores the need for community-driven advocacy to shift deeply ingrained perceptions about women’s bodily autonomy.

How Has Litigation Advanced SRHR in Nigeria?

Given these challenges, strategic litigation has become a powerful tool for holding the government accountable in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). While there have been successful cases affirming SRHR over the years, significant barriers persist, and the fight for their full recognition and enforcement continues.

In 2000, in  Georgina Ahamefule v. Imperial Medical Centre & Dr. Alex Molokwu, a woman living with HIV was denied access to healthcare services, prompting a legal challenge. The court held that her right to health, as guaranteed under Nigerian law, had been violated by the denial of medical care. This decision affirmed that access to healthcare is a fundamental right and that discrimination based on health status constitutes a breach of that right. To date, the government has not appealed the judgment, and it stands as a significant precedent in protecting the health rights of people living with HIV in Nigeria.

In Okonkwo v. Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (2001), the Nigerian Supreme Court upheld a patient’s right to bodily autonomy, focusing on the importance of informed consent in medical treatment. The case involved a medical practitioner performing a procedure without the patient’s full consent. The Court ruled in favor of the patient, affirming that bodily autonomy is a fundamental right. This decision reinforced the legal basis for reproductive choice and set a precedent that healthcare providers must respect patients’ rights to make informed decisions about their bodies, particularly in relation to medical procedures.

However, debates around bodily autonomy continue to persist, especially within religious and cultural circles. Despite previous judgments affirming the constitutional right to health and bodily autonomy, courts have interpreted the law inconsistently in similar cases, highlighting the limitations of using litigation to advance and protect reproductive rights.

In Amina v. The State, Amina Lawal was sentenced to death by stoning by a Sharia court in Katsina State for alleged adultery after giving birth outside of wedlock. The case attracted significant national and international attention, prompting widespread advocacy from human rights organisations. Her conviction was overturned on appeal in 2003, based on legal arguments that challenged both the evidentiary basis and the procedural fairness of the trial. The case underscored the persistent tension between religious legal frameworks and women’s reproductive rights in Nigeria, particularly in relation to bodily autonomy, consent, and access to justice.

Further litigation continued in Adegoke v. State (2008), where a woman sought legal action after being denied the right to terminate her pregnancy under medical advice. The court’s decision affirmed the right to abortion in specific circumstances, such as when the mother’s life is at risk, though the ruling did not extend this right to other situations, reflecting the legal limitations on SRHR in Nigeria.

A breakthrough of some sort came in 2017 with the landmark case Dorothy Njemanze & 3 Others v. Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ruled that the arrest and abuse of women by Nigerian authorities constituted gender-based discrimination and a violation of their rights. This case highlighted systemic issues faced by women and underscored the need for legal reforms to better protect SRHR.

Most recently, in November 2023, Lawyers Alert, a Nigerian legal advocacy group, filed a groundbreaking case at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging Nigeria’s restrictive abortion laws. It was the first-ever challenge of its kind, addressing the government’s omissions and actions that hinder access to SRHR justice.

These cases collectively demonstrate the growing role of the judiciary in advancing reproductive rights, even in the absence of direct constitutional protections.

Opportunities for Advancing SRHR Litigation in Nigeria

Despite existing challenges, strategic litigation presents opportunities for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Nigeria. Key avenues include:

  1. Advocacy for the Justiciability of Right to Health

Advocacy efforts must focus on legal reforms that explicitly recognise the right to health as enforceable, ensuring that the government has clear obligations to provide adequate healthcare services.

  1. Invoking the Maputo Protocol
    Nigerian SRHR lawyers should push for the domestic application of the Protocol’s SRHR provisions, particularly its recognition of the right to safe abortion in cases of rape, incest, or health risks.
  2. Public Interest Litigation
    Civil society organisations can use public interest litigation to challenge restrictive SRHR laws, drawing on successful strategies from other African countries such as Kenya and South Africa.
  3. Engagement with Regional Courts
    Nigerian lawyers may explore avenues at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which has been receptive to human rights claims, to seek broader enforcement of reproductive rights.
  4. Judicial Training and Advocacy
    Training judges and lawyers in a rights-based, gender-sensitive approach to SRHR cases is essential for effective legal outcomes.
  5. Community-Led Legal Strategies
    Integrating local customs and community-based advocacy into litigation strategies can strengthen public support for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) reforms. 
  6. Sensitisation on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Young women and girls, especially at the grassroots level should be reached and educated about their rights to bodily autonomy. Interventions should also adopt an intersectional approach, addressing and dispelling myths and social conditioning surrounding bodily autonomy and SRHR.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the struggle for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Nigeria remains difficult with legal, cultural, and institutional challenges. However, strategic litigation offers a powerful avenue for reform. By leveraging international frameworks like the Maputo Protocol, advocating for the justiciability of the right to health in the constitution, and pushing for broader judicial and policy reforms, advocates can create a more inclusive and just legal environment for women and girls. While deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs pose significant barriers, community-driven approaches and public interest litigation have the potential to shift public opinion and influence legislative change. Ultimately, a sustained effort in litigation, advocacy, and legal reform can bridge the gap between Nigeria’s international commitments and domestic realities, ensuring that SRHR are not only recognised in law but fully realised for all Nigerians.

References

Cases

Adegoke v. The State (2008)

Amina Lawal v. The State (2003)

Dorothy Njemanze & 3 Others v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2017), ECW/CCJ/JUD/08/17

Georgina Ahamefule  V. Imperial Medical Cen& Dr. Alex Molokwu (2000)

Okonkwo v. Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (2001) 7 NWLR (Pt. 711) 206 and (2001) 3 S.C.N.J. 1.

Patience Ekpenyong v. State (1975)

Legislations:

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999, as amended.

The Criminal Code of Nigeria, 2004.

The Maputo Protocol, 2003.

The Penal Code of Nigeria, 1963.

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015.

Articles

Ayanleye, O.A. (2013). Women and reproductive health rights in Nigeria. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 6(5), 127-140. Retrieved from OIDA. (Accessed 1 April, 2025)

Afya na Haki (AHAKI). (2023). The role of African judges in shaping policy on sexual & reproductive health & rights using an Africentric approach. Retrieved from AHAKI. (Accessed 2 April, 2025)

Afya na Haki (AHAKI). (2023). Lawyers Alert in ECOWAS Regional Court Against Nigeria for the Restrictive Abortion Law Against Victims of Sexual Violence. (Accessed April 3, 2025)

Izevbuwa, O.G., Ngwoke, R.A., & F., Adeghe I. (2023). The role of law in advancing the reproductive health and rights of women in Nigeria. Retrieved from ResearchGate (Accessed 3 April 2025).

Ogedegbe, A.E., Adeagbo, O., Yankam, B.M., Badru, O., Gadanya, M.A., & Bain, L.E. (2023). Two decades of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in Nigeria: Successes, challenges, and opportunities. Retrieved from AJRH. (Accessed 1 April, 2025)

Olayanju, O. (2023). The prospects of litigation to secure maternal health in Nigeria: Does SERAP v Attorney-General Lagos have any value? African Human Rights Law Journal, 23(2), 278-302. https://doi.org/10.17159/1996-2096/2023/v23n2a3.  (Accessed 1 April, 2025)

Trump’s Return to the White House: The Global Human Rights Impact

On January 20th 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Following his swearing-in, he signed several executive orders in line with his campaign promises. Two orders, in particular, raised serious concerns for global health and development efforts:

  1. Withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO.
  2. Funding freeze on all USAID projects worldwide.

Recognising the global implications of these executive orders, Lex Initiative convened a webinar titled “The Ripple Effects: Understanding the Impact of U.S. Policy Changes on Marginalised Women and Communities”.

Some of the key discussions were on how the WHO withdrawal could impact access to life-saving healthcare for vulnerable populations, the consequences of the USAID funding freeze on women’s rights programs in Africa and strategies for African-based organisations to respond to funding shifts and sustain advocacy efforts.

The webinar outcomes include calls for collaboration among human right groups in order to demand for policy reversals while seeking alternative funding mechanisms.

It was also agreed that there’s need to strengthen local funding strategies and engage African governments to increase domestic investment in social justice programs thereby reducing over reliance on foreign aids.

As these global events unfold, Lex Initiative remains committed to advocating for marginalised communities and amplifying African voices in the global human rights discourse.

The U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: A Crisis in Global Health Governance and the Legal Implications for Marginalised Women in Nigeria.

Read the article here.

Strengthening Internal Capacity: The Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA)

In addition to external advocacy work, January also marked a significant milestone for Lex Initiative’s internal growth. We conducted a comprehensive Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) to evaluate our governance, operational structures, and overall institutional effectiveness.

This assessment was carried out by MindsAlive Services, a development expert firm, using an OCA Tool harmonised under the SCALE Project, supported by USAID. The process provided an in-depth analysis of our strengths, opportunities, and areas for growth.

Through the assessment, organisational strengths were recognised with opportunities for growth being identified also. This exercise provided a roadmap for organisational strengthening, ensuring Lex Initiative is well-positioned to scale its impact in the years ahead.

It also reaffirmed LIRAD’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability as we continue to drive human rights and justice advocacy in Nigeria.

January Spotlight: Vision Board Workshop for Young Female Lawyers

On January 17th, 2025, Lex Initiative hosted a Vision Board Workshop in Abuja, with the theme “Shaping the Future for Inclusive Advocacy.”

This workshop provided young female lawyers with the clarity, mentorship, and tools needed to build successful careers and champion women’s rights in Nigeria.

The event featured insightful discussions from seasoned legal, mental health and advocacy professionals such as:

Augusta Yaakugh-Shahin MCIArb – Gave the welcoming address and overview of the Workshop.

Mojirayo Ogunlana Esq. – Spoke on Women’s Rights Lawyering in Nigeria – Building an Inclusive Advocacy.

Sewuese Tofi Esq. – Addressed Career Development for Female Lawyers.

Adaeze Anah Esq. – Led a discussion on “Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession.”

Green Oge-Ali Esq. – Introduced Lex Initiative’s 2025 theme: “Roadmap to Unexclusion” and objectives for the day.

Mr. Francis Onyekwue – Delivered a session on Trauma-Informed Care and Psychosocial Support for survivors of GBV.

The Workshop which had media coverage by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), also received support from learned silks like P.H Ogbole SAN, Dr Ogwu James Onoja SAN, Eko Ejembi Eko SAN and a Goodwill Message from Afam Okeke Esq. the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch.

The workshop concluded with an interactive vision board session, where participants mapped out their career aspirations and advocacy goals. Many left feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and women’s rights advocacy in Nigeria.

Participant Reflection:

“The most valuable part of the Vision Board Workshop for me was the opportunity to engage with and learn from experienced lawyers and advocates. The discussion around the challenges female lawyers face in their careers and the importance of advocacy for women’s rights were particularly inspiring. I gained new perspectives on navigating the legal field as well.” – E. I. David Esq.

Empowerment Through Accountability: Accelerating Action for Nigerian Women (IWD 2025)

Oge-Ali Green Chizoba Esq.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, we reflect on the theme “Accelerate Action” and its profound implications for women worldwide, particularly in Nigeria. The IWD 2025 overlaps with the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) which commences on 10th March, 2025 and will focus on reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, assessing contemporary challenges, and advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Despite significant international and regional commitments to protecting women’s rights, Nigeria continues to grapple with gender-based violence (GBV), femicide, economic marginalisation, and legal disparities that undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls. 

Lex Initiative for Rights, Advocacy and Development (LIRAD) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing human rights and public interest lawyering for marginalised women, aligning with international human rights instruments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Imperative of Legal Accountability in Advancing Women’s Rights

Empowerment is fundamentally linked to accountability—both at the individual level and within the broader legal and institutional framework. While self-accountability enables women to take ownership of their choices, true gender equality requires a robust legal framework that guarantees women’s rights, coupled with effective enforcement mechanisms.

Nigeria is a signatory to several international and regional conventions that mandate gender equality and the protection of women’s rights, yet the domestication and enforcement of these legal instruments remain inadequate. Key among these are:

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – Ratified by Nigeria in 1985, CEDAW provides a comprehensive legal framework for eliminating discrimination against women. However, Nigeria has yet to fully domesticate it into national law, despite persistent advocacy from civil society.

• The Maputo Protocol (Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa) – This regional treaty, which Nigeria ratified in 2004, mandates states to take necessary legislative and policy measures to eliminate gender-based violence, ensure access to justice, and promote women’s socio-economic rights. Its full implementation remains critical.

• The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015 – While this law represents a significant step in addressing gender-based violence, it has recently come under threat as a bill to repeal it has been brought to the National Assembly. There is a need to strengthen and preserve the Act in order not to roll back years of progress achieved in protecting women and children from violence. Urgent efforts are needed to ensure its amendment and enforcement across all Nigerian states.

• The Child Rights Act, 2003 – Protecting the rights of girls from forced marriage, sexual violence, and discrimination, this law has not been universally adopted by all Nigerian states, leaving many girls vulnerable to harmful practices.

Tackling Gender-Based Violence and Systemic Inequality

The recent surge in femicide and GBV in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms and institutional accountability. While survivors of violence require immediate protection, justice, and rehabilitation, long-term change hinges on legal, educational, economic, and cultural interventions.

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement

• The domestication of CEDAW and the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol are essential to ensuring that women’s rights are upheld in practice, not just in principle.

• The harmonisation of gender-related laws across Nigeria’s legal system would prevent contradictions and loopholes that allow perpetrators to evade justice.

• Judicial and law enforcement reforms are necessary to improve access to justice for survivors of GBV, ensuring swift prosecution of offenders and protection of victims.

2. Advancing Gender-Sensitive Education and Awareness

• Gender-sensitive curriculum should be integrated into educational institutions to challenge harmful stereotypes and discriminatory norms.

• Legal literacy programs must be expanded to educate women on their rights and the legal remedies available to them.

3. Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment

• Strengthening women’s land and property rights is crucial, as economic dependency often traps women in cycles of violence and exploitation.

• Expanding access to credit, financial services, and entrepreneurship opportunities can bolster women’s financial independence.

4. Engaging Men and Boys in the Movement for Gender Equality

• Transforming patriarchal attitudes requires active participation from men and boys in advocacy campaigns and community dialogue.

• Legal measures should be coupled with social interventions to promote gender-equitable norms in homes, schools, and workplaces.

The Role of CSW69 in Driving Global and National Commitments

The CSW69 conference presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitments to international frameworks and accelerate action toward gender equality. Key areas of focus should include:

1. Developing a National Action Plan for the Full Domestication of CEDAW – Nigeria must prioritise enacting a comprehensive legal framework that aligns with its international obligations.

2. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms for GBV Response – This includes funding women’s shelters, enhancing police and judicial response mechanisms, and integrating GBV services into national healthcare systems.

3. Enhancing Data Collection and Accountability Mechanisms – Accurate data on GBV and gender disparities is essential for crafting effective policies and holding institutions accountable.

Conclusion: Toward a Future of Gender Justice and Equality

As we observe International Women’s Day 2025, we honor the resilience and strength of Nigerian women who continue to advocate for their rights despite systemic barriers. Accountability at all levels—individual, institutional, and governmental—is the cornerstone of empowerment. By ensuring the full domestication and enforcement of gender-inclusive laws, Nigeria can accelerate the journey toward a society where every woman and girl lives free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.

At LIRAD, we remain unwavering in our advocacy for legal reforms, access to justice, and sustainable development initiatives that uphold the rights of Nigerian women. Together, through collective action and legal accountability, we can transform aspirations of gender equality into a lived reality for all.

The Silent Struggle: How Workplace Discrimination, Legal Gaps, and Economic Exclusion Trap Marginalised Women in Nigeria

By Augusta Shahin, MCIArb (UK)

In Nigeria, discussions about workplace discrimination often centre on gender inequality. However, for many women, discrimination is multifaceted, encompassing not only gender but also disability, sexual orientation, or health status. These intersecting identities exacerbate barriers to employment, fair remuneration, and workplace safety, creating a complex web of social exclusion.

Despite existing legal protections, women with disabilities, LGBTQ+ women, and women living with HIV/AIDS continue to face job discrimination, wage disparities, harassment, and exclusion from economic opportunities. These challenges are intensified by inadequate law enforcement, cultural stigmas, and Nigeria’s predominantly informal labour market. Achieving genuine workplace justice necessitates addressing the intersectionality of discrimination, moving beyond a singular focus on gender bias.

Marginalised Women & Workplace Discrimination: The Invisible Crisis

Women with Disabilities: Overlooked & Underpaid

For women with disabilities, securing employment is a formidable challenge. Societal prejudices often lead employers to underestimate their capabilities, resulting in higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and limited leadership opportunities. Additionally, many workplaces lack the necessary physical accommodations, further excluding disabled women from formal employment.

“I graduated with a first-class degree, but after 50 job applications, all I received were rejections. Employers don’t see my qualifications—only my wheelchair.”
— Fatima S., job seeker in Abuja

This sentiment reflects a broader issue. In Nigeria’s mining industry, for instance, women with disabilities face systemic discrimination. The absence of inclusive policies and the presence of physical and attitudinal barriers hinder their participation, perpetuating economic disparities. Advocacy groups have long called for deliberate policies that incentivize women and women with disabilities in the mining sector, including access to micro-credit facilities and skill training.

newsecuritybeat.org

LGBTQ+ Women: Navigating a Minefield of Discrimination

In a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised, LGBTQ+ women often conceal their identities to avoid workplace discrimination, harassment, or even job termination. The absence of legal protections leaves them vulnerable, forcing many to lead double lives to maintain employment.

“After my employer discovered I had a same-sex partner, I was suddenly ‘let go’ due to ‘company restructuring’. No one will admit it was because of my sexuality.”
— Anonymous, Lagos

A 2022 report by the Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) found that over 60% of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria hide their identities at work to avoid discrimination.

solidaritycenter.org

Women Living with HIV/AIDS: Battling Stigma & Job Insecurity

Women living with HIV/AIDS frequently encounter workplace discrimination upon the revelation of their health status. Despite legal prohibitions, some employers mandate HIV testing as part of recruitment processes. The resulting stigma often forces HIV-positive women into informal employment, devoid of job security and benefits.

“After my employer learned of my HIV-positive status, I was reassigned to an isolated desk. A month later, I was dismissed without explanation.”
— Ngozi E., former bank employee

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) found that one in three people living with HIV in Nigeria has faced workplace discrimination.

solidaritycenter.org

Nigeria boasts several laws designed to safeguard women’s rights in the workplace:

  • Labour Act (2004): Prohibits discrimination but lacks explicit protections for women with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those living with HIV/AIDS.
  • Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP, 2015): Criminalises workplace harassment but has been adopted by only 34 out of 36 states.
    ajol.info
  • National HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act (2014): Forbids discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS; however, enforcement remains weak.

The efficacy of these laws is undermined by several factors:

  • Inadequate Enforcement: Regulatory bodies often lack the resources or political will to enforce existing laws effectively.
  • Cultural Norms: Deep-seated societal attitudes perpetuate discrimination, with many viewing marginalised groups through a prejudiced lens.
  • Informal Labour Market: A significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, beyond the reach of formal legal protections.

“What’s the point of having labour laws if they don’t protect the most vulnerable? We need stronger policies, not just words on paper.”
— Hauwa Shekarau, Women’s Rights Lawyer

The Economic Trap: Gender Pay Gaps & Informal Work

Exacerbated Gender Pay Gaps

While women in Nigeria generally earn less than their male counterparts, marginalised women face even wider disparities. Employers may offer reduced wages to disabled women or deny promotions to LGBTQ+ employees, further entrenching economic inequalities.

Precarious Informal Employment

A substantial number of Nigerian women are engaged in informal work, which offers no legal protections, benefits, or job security. Roles such as domestic workers, market traders, and sex workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

“Most women like me don’t have contracts or benefits. If I get sick or harassed, I have no rights, no protection.”
— Blessing I., domestic worker in Port Harcourt

Solutions: Building Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach:

  1. Strengthen Legal Protections
    • Amend Existing Laws: Update the Labour Act to explicitly protect marginalised groups, including women with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Ensure Nationwide Adoption: Advocate for the VAPP Act’s adoption in all states to provide uniform protection against workplace harassment.
    • Enhance Enforcement Mechanisms: Allocate resources to regulatory bodies to monitor compliance and address violations effectively.
  2. Hold Employers Accountable
    • Implement Inclusive Policies: Encourage workplaces to adopt zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and provide necessary accommodations for disabled employees.
    • Conduct Sensitivity Training: Educate employers and staff on the importance of diversity and inclusion.
    • Establish Reporting Systems: Create safe and confidential channels for employees to report discrimination or harassment without fear of retaliation.
  3. Promote Economic Inclusion
    • Extend Social Protections: Advocate for the inclusion of informal workers in social security schemes and labour protections.
    • Enforce Anti-Discrimination Policies: Ensure that existing laws protecting individuals with HIV/AIDS are actively implemented in workplaces.
    • Support Collective Bargaining: Empower women-led trade unions to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.

Conclusion: From Awareness to Action

Workplace discrimination in Nigeria is a complex issue that intersects with various aspects of identity, including disability, sexual orientation, and health status. To achieve true gender equality in the workplace, it is imperative to address these intersecting forms of discrimination through robust legal reforms, effective enforcement, and a cultural shift towards inclusivity.

What Can You Do?

  • Advocate for Policy Changes: Support initiatives aimed at amending discriminatory laws and implementing inclusive policies.
  • Raise Awareness: Engage in conversations and campaigns

Sources
New Security Beat, ‘Women with Disabilities in Nigeria’s Mining Industry: Discrimination and Opportunities’ (New Security Beat, 12 December 2022) https://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2022/12/women-disabilities-nigerias-mining-industry-discrimination-opportunities/ accessed 18 February 2025

The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), ‘Hidden Identities: Workplace Experiences of LGBTQ+ Nigerians’ (Solidarity Center, 2022) https://www.solidaritycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nigeria.GBVH-in-the-World-of-Work-Nigeria.10.2021.pdf accessed 18 February 2025

Solidarity Center, ‘Workplace Discrimination Against Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria’ (Solidarity Center, 2021) https://www.solidaritycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nigeria.GBVH-in-the-World-of-Work-Nigeria.10.2021.pdf accessed 18 February 2025

African Journals Online (AJOL), ‘Challenges in Implementing the VAPP Act in Nigeria’ (AJOL, 2023) https://www.ajol.info/index.php/naujilj/article/view/257386/243117 accessed 18 February 2025

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), ‘Bridging the Gender Pay Gap in Nigeria’s Workforce’ (PwC, 2021) https://www.pwc.com/ng/en/assets/pdf/gender-pay-gap-nigeria-2021.pdf accessed 18 February 2025

World Bank, ‘Gender Pay Gaps and Economic Inequality in Nigeria’ (World Bank, 2023) https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gender/publication/economic-inclusion-women-nigeria-2023 accessed 18 February 2025

Online Gender-Based Violence: Who Is Protecting Nigerian Women?

By Augusta Yaakugh Esq. and Sharimam Kwewum Esq.

Introduction

Technology has given people the power to share their voices, connect with others, and access new opportunities. However, for many Nigerian women, the internet has also become a place of fear and danger. Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV)—also called Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)—is now a serious issue affecting women’s safety, mental health, and freedom.

Women in Nigeria face cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual image sharing, trolling, doxxing, and threats. Many are forced to leave online spaces or stop speaking out because of abuse. Despite this, Nigeria’s laws do not fully protect women from online violence, and social media companies do not do enough to stop it.

A 2020 global survey by The Economist Intelligence Unit found that 85% of women worldwide have experienced online violence, and 62% of Nigerians know someone who has been affected. This is not just an internet problem—it is a serious human rights issue that requires urgent action from the government, tech companies, and society.

What Is Online Gender-Based Violence?

According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, OGBV is:

“Any act of gender-based violence that is committed, assisted or made worse by the use of technology, such as mobile phones, the internet, social media, or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or that affects women more than men.”

OGBV is not random. It is an extension of offline violence, and it mostly affects women in leadership, journalism, activism, politics, and business. Many victims are targeted because they are speaking out, challenging norms, or simply existing online as women.

Perpetrators of OGBV are often intimate partners, ex-partners, colleagues, or even anonymous strangers. The Economist Intelligence Unit found that 54% of women who experienced online violence knew their abuser personally.

Women in marginalised groups—such as LGBTQI women and women with disabilities—are even more likely to experience hate speech, discrimination, and online attacks.

Forms of Online Gender-Based Violence

OGBV can take many forms, including:

🔹 Sexual Harassment Online – Sending unwanted sexual messages, threats, or explicit images to women.
🔹 Cyberbullying – Using social media, emails, or gaming platforms to shame, intimidate, or harass women.
🔹 Cyberstalking – Repeatedly monitoring, threatening, or tracking a woman’s online activities.
🔹 Cyberflashing – Sending unsolicited sexually explicit pictures to women on social media or messaging apps.
🔹 Trolling – Spreading false, exaggerated, or defamatory content about women to discredit them.
🔹 Doxxing – Publishing a woman’s personal details (home address, phone number, workplace, family information) online without consent.
🔹 Identity Theft & Impersonation – Using a woman’s image or personal details to deceive others or damage her reputation.
🔹 Targeted Hate Speech – Posting misogynistic content that encourages violence or discrimination against women.

Many of these acts lead to real-life harm, affecting women’s safety, mental health, and ability to participate in society.

The Impact of Online Gender-Based Violence

OGBV causes serious harm beyond the internet. Women who experience online violence often face:

🔹 Psychological & Mental Health Issues – Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and PTSD.
🔹 Self-Censorship & Fear – Many women stop using the internet, speaking out, or engaging in activism or business because of threats.
🔹 Financial Harm – Some women lose job opportunities, clients, or income due to online abuse. Others are forced to pay for legal or cybersecurity support.
🔹 Physical Threats & Real-Life Violence – Many women who are harassed online later face stalking or attacks in real life.

Women should not have to choose between their safety and their right to be online.

Are Nigerian Laws Protecting Women?

Currently, Nigeria’s laws are failing to protect women from OGBV. While there are laws on cybercrime and violence, they do not fully cover digital abuse against women.

🔹 1999 Constitution of Nigeria – Protects against discrimination but does not include digital rights or online violence protections.
🔹 Cybercrimes Act (2015) – Criminalises cyberstalking, identity theft, and online harassment, but does not specifically recognise OGBV as a crime against women.
🔹 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) – Protects people from emotional and psychological abuse, but does not clearly address online violence like doxxing or deepfake abuse.
🔹 Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) – Focuses on data privacy, but does not protect women from online exploitation of their personal information.
🔹 Criminal & Penal Codes – Criminalise false news and defamation, but are not designed for digital abuse cases.

🚨 The problem: These laws are outdated and poorly enforced. Many women do not report OGBV because they know the police will not take it seriously. This must change.

What Needs to Change?

1️⃣ Strengthen & Enforce Digital Safety Laws

Amend the Cybercrimes Act (2015) to:

  • Criminalise non-consensual image sharing (NCII), deepfake abuse, doxxing, and cyberstalking.
  • Ensure harsher penalties for online harassment and gender-based digital crimes.

Expand the VAPP Act (2015) to:

  • Recognise OGBV as a form of gender-based violence and provide clear legal remedies for victims.
  • Train police officers and judges to handle OGBV cases properly.

2️⃣ Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable

Demand that tech companies:

  • Remove abusive content quickly and improve reporting systems.
  • Ban repeat offenders and increase platform safety features.
  • Be transparent about how they handle online harassment cases.

3️⃣ Educate Women on Digital Safety & Protection

Launch digital safety campaigns to help women:

  • Report cyberstalking and online threats effectively.
  • Protect their personal information online.
  • Understand their rights and available legal options.

Provide free legal support and online safety training for women at risk.

4️⃣ Address Harmful Online Narratives

✅ Challenge misogynistic content from bloggers, skit makers, and influencers.
✅ Promote positive counter-narratives that support women’s safety and digital rights.
✅ Engage religious and community leaders to speak out against online violence.

Conclusion: Time for Action, Not Silence

Online Gender-Based Violence is a human rights crisis. Women should not have to fear for their safety simply for being online.

🔹 Policymakers must reform Nigeria’s laws to protect women from digital abuse.
🔹 Tech companies must act responsibly to stop online harassment.
🔹 Law enforcement must treat OGBV as a serious crime.
🔹 Civil society must continue pushing for change through awareness and advocacy.

📢 Enough is enough. It is time to demand #DigitalJusticeForWomen.

🚀 Join the movement. Advocate for legal reform. Protect Nigerian women online.

#StopOnlineGBV #NigeriaCyberSafety #GenderJustice #TechForGood