Gender Inequality Still a Major Challenge in Nigeria, UN Women Says

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The United Nations agency for gender equality, UN Women, has called for stronger efforts to tackle gender inequality in Nigeria, warning that many women and girls still face barriers to justice, safety and equal participation in public life.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja to mark International Women’s Day 2026, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, said the global theme for this year — “Rights. Justice. Action.” — highlights the urgent need to turn promises on gender equality into real change in people’s lives.

She noted that gender-based violence remains a serious concern in Nigeria, with many survivors still struggling to access justice and support. According to her, justice must go beyond laws and policies and be felt in the daily safety and dignity of women and girls.

Ms Eyong also pointed to the low level of women’s representation in Nigerian politics. She said women currently occupy only 3.9% of parliamentary seats, one of the lowest levels globally, which limits women’s voices in national decision-making.

To address this, “UN Women is supporting advocacy for the Special Seats for Women Bill, a proposal aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislature”.

“The organisation is also working with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to strengthen the National Sexual Offender Database, which helps track offenders and prevent them from evading accountability by moving between states”.

Ms Eyong said UN Women is engaging traditional and religious leaders to challenge cultural practices that allow violence against women to persist. The agency is also promoting gender-responsive budgeting, which ensures government spending prioritises issues affecting women, including maternal health, girls’ education and economic empowerment.

She urged journalists to continue reporting on gender issues and amplifying the voices of women and survivors of abuse, saying the media plays an important role in shaping public understanding and pushing institutions to act.

Ms Eyong also called on the government, civil society and the private sector to increase support for policies and programmes that promote equality, adding that real progress would depend on moving from commitments to concrete action.