Health
GBV: UN, SSDO Seek Reforms To Reduce Barriers To Justice For Nigerian Women
By Justina Auta
UN Women and the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO) have launched an anthology highlighting women’s Gender Based Violence (GBV), documenting experiences of Nigerian women seeking justice.
They made the call at the launch of the anthology, titled “The Cost of Justice: Women’s Voice of Resilience in Nigeria,” as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026 celebration on Friday in Abuja.
They also called for reforms to reduce barriers preventing women and girls from accessing justice in Nigeria.
Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the anthology documented the voices, experiences and resilience of women who had navigated Nigeria’s justice system, particularly survivors of GBV.
According to her, the theme of International Women’s Day 2026, “Rights, Justice, Actions for All Women and Girls,” underscores the need to protect the rights of women and girls and ensure access to justice through concrete actions.
“For many women and girls, especially survivors of GBV, justice remains difficult to access.
“Survivors often face financial barriers, lengthy legal processes, stigma and limited access to legal support.
“These challenges can discourage women from reporting abuse or pursuing justice, leaving violations unaddressed and perpetrators unaccountable,” she said.
Eyong noted that although Nigeria had made progress in strengthening legal frameworks and raising awareness on GBV, ensuring that women could access justice safely, affordably and without stigma remained a key priority.
She cited data indicating that 27,698 cases of sexual and GBV were reported in Nigeria between 2020 and 2023, reflecting the scale of the challenge.
She added that between 2017 and 2020, no fewer than 17,664 survivors accessed Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the country, demonstrating increased reporting and the growing demand for medical and psychosocial support.
Eyong, however, said conviction rates remained low due to gaps in investigative capacity and legal processes.
“For example, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) secured only 51 rape convictions between 2018 and 2020, highlighting the gap between reported cases and the number of perpetrators ultimately brought to justice,” she said.
She, however, said that the programme would provide an opportunity for dialogue on practical ways to reduce the cost of justice and strengthen protection for women and girls.
The Executive Director, SSDO, Mr Stanley Ikechukwu, said the anthology draws inspiration from the community work of the Sister Guardian Initiative (SGI), a women -led protection network developed by the organisation.
Ikechukwu explained that through SGI’s community engagement and baseline assessments, survivors shared their experiences that revealed recurring barriers to justice and support, which were captured in the 15 stories with accompanying arts.
He added that the themes explored deeper reflection on the realities women face when seeking safety, dignity and justice.
Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, emphasised the need for more collaboration to advance women and girls rights, ensure justice and drive concrete actions aimed at reducing GBV and promoting gender equality.
Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, emphasised their commitment towards supporting effective investigation and prosecution of GBV cases and ensuring that victims are treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect throughout the justice process.
Fagbemi, represented by Habiba Ajanah-Hamza, Chief State Counsel, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, stressed the need for collaboration with stakeholders to ensure justice systems are accessible, responsive, and inclusive for all women and girls.
He said, ” initiatives such as this anthology play an important role in deepening public understanding and strengthening advocacy for reforms that make justice more attainable and more humane.”
Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Representative and Resident Coordinator, while noting the increasing cases of GBV, stressed the need to strengthen access to justice and protection of women and girls in Nigeria.
“This includes legal reforms, strengthening institutions, expanding survivor support services across board, promoting social norms that afford equality and respect, ” she said.
She also emphasised the need to move beyond commitment and focus on practical actions that ensure justice is accessible to every Nigerian woman and every girl and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Akpan
