The House of Representatives has extended warm wishes to Nigerian women and girls as the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, themed “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.”
International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8 March, has its origins in the early 20th century, with the first official celebration taking place in 1911. The day serves as a global platform to honour the achievements of women in various fields while advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. Over the years, it has evolved into a key moment for reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender inclusion worldwide.
The House of Representatives, acknowledging the indispensable role of women in national development, reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote gender equity. With women actively contributing to governance, academia, entrepreneurship, science, and social development, lawmakers emphasised that gender inclusion is both a moral obligation and a strategic necessity for national progress.
As part of its efforts to advance women’s rights, the 10th Assembly has prioritised gender inclusion in its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027). Despite the historical underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislature, the House noted that all 15 female lawmakers currently in the chamber hold key leadership positions as committee chairpersons or deputies. In addition, two standing committees have been established to focus on Women’s Affairs and Women in Parliament.
The House has also sponsored several pro-women bills, including the Constitution Alteration Bill on Special Seats for Women (HB 1349), the Independent Candidacy Bill (HB 1630), and the Special Seats for Special Interest Groups Bill (HB 1811). Efforts to strengthen legal protections for women have seen proposed amendments to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. Furthermore, the passage of the Bill to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions on 30 October 2024 marked a significant step towards safeguarding female students from exploitation.
“As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria must continue to institutionalise policies that promote gender equity, ensuring that women and girls have access to opportunities, protections, and support systems that enable them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” a press statement by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, stated.
“Recognising the rise in gender-based violence and femicide since 2020, the House, in a resolution passed on February 18, 2025, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to designate special court divisions to fast-track femicide and allied Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases while urging law enforcement agencies to prioritise thorough investigations and prosecution.”
The statement quoted Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, as saying, “Today, I congratulate the female folk as the world celebrates International Women’s Day. It is long overdue to walk the talk. We must all collectively agree that women are critical stakeholders in any community. They are building homes, nurturing children, and breaking political, academic, professional, and other socio-economic barriers.”
Essentially, as Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day, the House of Representatives pledged to continue fostering an inclusive and just society where all women and girls can thrive.
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