- Tasks traditional and religious leaders to champion cultural reforms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls.
A civil society organization (CSO), 16 Days Continuum, has called on Kogi state government strengthen enforcement of laws that protect women and girls from violence and discrimination.
The Chairperson of 16 Days Continuum, Barrister Ajuma Lilian Okolo, made the call on Monday during a press conference held in Lokoja to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2026.
The CSO called for increase funding for gender-based violence (GBV) response services, including safe shelters, legal aid, and survivor support systems.
It also urged the state government to ensure effective implementation of gender policies and domestication of relevant national and international frameworks that promote women’s rights.
Barrister Okolo said the annual celebration should serve not only as a moment to honour the achievements and resilience of women but also as a reminder of the urgent need to address persistent inequalities affecting them.
According to her, the global theme championed by UN Women urges governments, civil society groups and communities to move beyond promises and take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality.
The civil society reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which seeks to ensure that women and girls live free from discrimination, violence and systemic exclusion.
She acknowledged the significant role women play in the social and economic development of Kogi State, particularly in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, public service and community leadership.
The CSO also called on traditional and religious leaders to champion cultural reforms that protect the dignity and rights of women and girls as well as to openly condemn practices such as domestic violence and child marriage.
“The 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day should mark a turning point toward ensuring that every woman and girl in Kogi State can live free from violence, discrimination and inequality” Barr. Okolo said.
In her remark, Roseline Alabi, a member of civil society group, appealed to Kogi state government to scale-up effort in ensuring that there is portable water in Lokoja the state capital.
She expressed concern over the recent scarcity of water in the state capital , lamenting that women are at the receiving end of the challenge.
