Human Rights Coordinator Highlights emerging opportunities for future women
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
As the world marks another year of progress in women’s rights, the Plateau State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Barr. Kyenpiya Mafuyai, has highlighted the persisting challenges and emerging opportunities that shape the future of women’s empowerment.
She noted that despite notable advancements, women’s rights remain a pressing concern globally, with Nigeria ranking 123rd in the World Gender Gap Report 2022.
Speaking in a keynote address and paper Titled: The Future of Women’s Rights: Challenges and Opportunities, at a program organised by Women and Girl- Child Rescue and Development Initiative WGRDI, in partnership with Women Peace and Security network WPSN, with support from Women For Women International WFWI
to commemorate 2025 International Women’s Day, at Odilin event center in Jos at the weekend, Mafuyai noted that the challenges are multifaceted, ranging from economic inequality to inadequate healthcare.
The state coordinator explained that the
Challenges Facing Women’s Rights ranges from Economic Inequality, where Women face limited access to land, capital, and financial resources, resulting in disproportionate poverty.
According to her, Political Exclusion, Women hold only 26.9% of parliamentary seats and 35.5% of local government seats globally. And in Gender-Based Violence, Women and girls face structural violence, harmful cultural practices, and conflict-related sexual violence.
Barr. Kyenpia Mafuyai maintained that other challenges faced by women are Discriminatory Laws and Inadequate Healthcare where many countries have laws that perpetuate gender inequality, including Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Women face barriers in accessing quality healthcare, with a 1-in-18 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth in Nigeria.
While stressing the need for opportunities to change the story, the Speaker called for the
Implementation of Laws and Policies that protect the children, Institutional discrimination, taking advantage of the Digital age, Promoting the 5 Gender Bills and
Elections and Women in Positions of Authority.
“The future of women’s rights is at a critical juncture,” “While we acknowledge the progress made, we must also recognize the significant challenges that remain. It is imperative that stakeholders work together to address these challenges and seize the opportunities that can propel us toward a more equitable future.” Said Mafuyai.
“The time for change is now,” Let us unite in our pursuit of gender equality and create a world where women’s rights are truly respected and protected.” She
emphasized.
In her presentation, the Executive Director, Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement, JPRM, Justina Ngwobia, called on women to be supporters of themselves through great strategies and implement activities to promote the interest of women.
She said women must come together to accelerate action to build stronger gender equality.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks,the Executive director women and Girl – children Rescue and Development Initiative (WGRDI) and State state coordinator, women Peace and security network, Bridget Dakyes,said her organisation is committed to bridging the gap o empowering women and girls reaching their full potentials.
She said “We have worked tirelessly and would continue to work to provide education, economic Empowerment, and protection services to vulnerable women and girls in our communities, while also promoting women’s participation in leadership, decision making and peace and security processes”
“Let us recommit ourselves to this vision of a world where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.let us work together to break out barriers, challenge Discriminatory norms, and promote inclusive policies that benefit all”
Dakyes however expressed gratitude to Women for Women International for their funding support and partnership for 3 years to enable them scale their programs to reach more women and children.
Our correspondent reports that there were goodwill messages from traditional institutions, security agencies, women organizations and other partners at the program.
