Belgium, NigWED advocate stronger action for women’s rights

Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has emphasized the need for societies where women are not silenced or punished for speaking up against harassment and discrimination.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Economic Development Project (NigWED), he reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to the ”She Decides movement,”, advocating for women’s right to choose their future.

He also highlighted the need for stronger measures to eliminate gender-based violence and ensure equal treatment for women in all spheres of life.

The Director of the Association of Diplomatic Women in Nigeria, Ms. Ruby Ross, called for accelerated action to empower women in agriculture, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships and global market access.

She highlighted the critical role women play in Nigeria’s labor force, making up 70% of the agricultural workforce while still facing challenges such as financial exclusion, limited access to technology, and land ownership.

She emphasized the need to bridge these gaps through strategic partnerships, innovation, and global market access to ensure sustainable economic development for women.

Ms. Ross underscored the importance of collaboration in driving progress, urging diplomatic communities, businesses, and development partners to foster partnerships in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17.

She stressed that global cooperation and knowledge-sharing among nations can uplift Nigeria’s economic landscape, reinforcing the idea that collective action is key to sustainable growth.

Similarly, the House of Representatives Chairman of the Nigeria-Belgium Parliamentary Group, Dr. Ahmed Saba Adamu, assured that Nigeria would continue strengthening partnerships to improve the welfare of women, recognizing their immense contributions to the family and society.

One of the most pressing issues facing women in Nigeria is gender-based violence. Cases of domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and rape are widespread, yet many victims struggle to receive justice due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and an often unresponsive legal system.

Although the VAPP Act provides a legal framework to combat these abuses, not all states have adopted it, leaving many women without legal protection.

Women’s political and economic participation is another area of concern. Despite making up nearly half of the population, Nigerian women remain vastly underrepresented in government and leadership positions.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to advance women’s rights through advocacy, legal reforms, and grassroots activism. Women’s rights organizations and non-governmental groups continue to push for stronger legal protections, increased education opportunities, and greater representation in politics and the economy.

Reporting by Hadiza Abdulrahman; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade