By Esther Onyegbula

As the world marked International Women’s Day 2026, a leading women’s rights organisation, Project Alert on Violence Against Women, has warned that women and girls in Nigeria continue to face deep-seated structural inequalities, gender-based violence and exclusion from economic and political opportunities.

Founder of the organisation, Josephine Effah Chukwuma, who stated this in a press statement to commemorate the global event, said although progress has been recorded in areas such as education, advocacy and representation, the challenges confronting women remain urgent and deeply entrenched.
She noted that incidents of sexual abuse, abductions in both conflict and non-conflict zones, limited access to justice, and barriers to political participation continue to undermine the safety and advancement of women and girls across the country.

According to her, the theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Give to Gain,” underscores the need for generosity, collaboration and collective commitment in addressing gender inequality.

Effah Chukwuma explained that the theme highlights the importance of individuals, institutions and governments contributing knowledge, solidarity and resources to advance justice and equality for women.

“Give to Gain reminds us that every act of giving, whether knowledge, solidarity or resources, creates pathways to justice, equality and empowerment,” she said.

She added that the organisation has applied the principle for the past 27 years through sustained advocacy, research, documentation and direct support services aimed at ending sexual and gender-based violence.
“At Project Alert, this philosophy has guided our work for 27 years. We have always given our best in research, documentation, advocacy and practical support services in order to gain social justice for women,” she stated.

Effah Chukwuma also said the organisation’s symbol, the open palm, represents truth, honesty and openness, reflecting its commitment to protecting women’s rights and confronting gender-based violence.
She further noted that Nigerian women are increasingly demanding dignity, equal opportunities and stronger representation in all sectors, including education, workplaces and public decision-making spaces.

According to her, societies that protect the dignity of women and girls while ensuring access to economic and political opportunities ultimately experience broader social and economic benefits.
“A society that respects the dignity of the human person, especially women and girls, and provides opportunities for them to grow and thrive economically and politically, benefits greatly,” she said.

She described giving as “an intentional multiplication” that can accelerate gender equality when individuals and institutions collectively commit to promoting and protecting the rights of women.

Effah Chukwuma therefore called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee access to justice for survivors of violence and their families, while intensifying efforts to prevent abuse.
As part of activities marking the 2026 commemoration, Project Alert on Violence Against Women announced the release of four major publications aimed at strengthening advocacy and knowledge on gender-based violence.

The publications include “A Beacon of Hope (Volume 2),” designed to expand knowledge and pathways to justice for survivors, as well as a “How-to Guide: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Programming in Schools.”
Also among the releases is “No Safe Haven,” a documentation of reported cases of abuse against women and girls intended to ensure that survivors’ experiences are recorded and not silenced.

The organisation noted that the publications are part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention strategies, support survivors and mobilise collective action towards ending violence against women and girls in Nigeria.