On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, TechHer, in partnership with Luminate, convened a multi-stakeholder forum in Abuja to address systemic challenges affecting Nigerian women and to develop coordinated strategies for justice, safety, and inclusive governance.

Held under the theme “From Rights to Realities: Nigerian Women in 2026,” the event brought together legal experts, human rights advocates, civil society organisations, media representatives, and young women leaders to examine the widening gap between women’s constitutionally guaranteed rights and their lived experiences.

In her opening remarks, Gbemisola Adebowale, Women’s Rights and Safety Officer at TechHer, highlighted the forum’s objective:
“The reality for many Nigerian women is that their rights, while codified in law, remain largely inaccessible in practice. This forum is designed to address that disconnect directly and mobilise collective action to ensure safety and justice function as entitlements, not aspirations.”

Panel discussions addressed issues including gender-based violence, technology-facilitated abuse, judicial accountability, and political participation. Priye Diri, Head of Programs at the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, noted the impact of delayed justice:
“When justice is delayed, it is effectively denied. Legislation alone cannot deliver justice. Survivors should not be compelled to wait years for their cases to progress through the courts.”

Joshua Olufemi, Country Director for Dataphyte, emphasised the importance of evidence-based advocacy:
“Transitioning from policy rhetoric to measurable impact requires credible data. Documenting systemic shortcomings equips policymakers with the tools necessary for substantive reform.”

The forum also explored political engagement as a tool for accountability. Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, encouraged women to participate actively in elections, stressing that elected representatives must be accountable to women’s interests to drive meaningful policy change.

Interactive sessions facilitated dialogue between attendees, judicial representatives, and civil society organisations. Sarah Evbotokha of the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers highlighted the need for community-level rights education, noting that awareness gaps allow harmful traditional practices to persist.

The forum also addressed intersectional challenges, with Uche Andrew, a woman with a disability, describing the amplified barriers faced by women in marginalised populations and urging inclusive policy interventions.

The event concluded with a participatory “Reform Wall” exercise, documenting priority reforms across online violence, gender-based violence, and women’s political participation, establishing a framework for continued collective action.

In her closing remarks, TechHer’s Communications Officer, Jemimah Inyangudo, emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue:
“Forums like this transform discourse into commitment. When institutions engage meaningfully with women’s lived experiences, and communities demand accountability, conditions for transformative change are strengthened.”

The International Women’s Day forum underscores TechHer’s ongoing mission to advance women’s rights, ensure safer digital and physical environments, and promote inclusive governance across Nigeria.