Kwara women demand urgent reforms on rights, jobs, safety
Stakeholders in Kwara State have renewed pressure on government and institutions to take decisive steps toward protecting women’s rights, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring safer workplaces, warning that Nigeria’s development goals may remain unattainable without full inclusion of women.
The call was made in Ilorin during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, where key actors across government and the labour movement stressed that the time for symbolic commitments has passed.
Wife of the Kwara State Governor and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, urged leaders at all levels to match words with action in addressing the challenges confronting women and girls.
She described the occasion as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment, noting that progress for women must be deliberate and sustained.
“The day reminds us not only to celebrate the achievements of women but to renew our collective commitment to advancing their rights, dignity, and opportunities,” she said.
Abdulrazaq emphasised that investing in women has far-reaching benefits for society, insisting that inclusive policies would strengthen families and drive economic growth.
“When we invest in women and girls, we do not lose—we multiply value. We strengthen families, grow economies, and build more inclusive and resilient societies,” she added.
Despite ongoing interventions through her office and the Ajike People Support Centre, she raised concerns over persistent barriers such as limited access to education, workplace discrimination, economic exclusion and gender-based violence.
“These realities call for more than words; they demand action,” she stressed, calling for stronger collaboration among government, labour unions, civil society and the private sector.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress Women Committee in the state, Comrade Victoria Aghoola, said the theme of the celebration underscores the need for collective responsibility in advancing gender equality.
“No woman advances alone, and no society truly progresses when half of its population is left behind,” she said.
She maintained that empowering women across all sectors remains critical to inclusive development, assuring that the labour movement would continue to push for equity and leadership opportunities.
“When women rise, societies rise. When women are empowered, communities prosper,” Aghoola added, while commending the state government for improving women’s representation in public service.
Also speaking, former Director of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Olaide Oyerinde Ajiboye, called for stronger legal frameworks to safeguard women in workplaces.
She stressed that fair wages and safe working conditions should not be optional.
“Equal pay for equal work must become a standard practice, not a privilege,” she said.
Ajiboye further advocated improved maternity protection and job security, insisting that women should not have to sacrifice their careers for family responsibilities.
“Women deserve maternity leave, job security and safe working conditions. There must be no room for harassment,” she added.
She also condemned gender-based violence, urging stakeholders to take firm action to protect women and girls.
“Violence against women must stop in all its forms. We must protect our women and girls if we truly want a just society,” Ajiboye said.
Participants at the event, which drew labour leaders, government officials and civil society groups, called for practical reforms and sustained collaboration to ensure women are fully empowered to contribute to national development.
Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, advocated constitutional reforms to create special seats for women, noting that their representation in the National Assembly remains low.
Similarly, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Muritala Olayinka, highlighted the importance of implementing the 35 per cent affirmative action policy, describing women’s empowerment as key to sustainable development.
Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, encouraged women to continue breaking barriers and mentoring younger generations to take up active roles in nation-building.