Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, development partners, and communities to tackle harmful cultural practices, promote women’s rights, and strengthen child protection across Nigeria.
According to the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission,Tony Ojukwu ending child marriage, promoting girl-child education and addressing violence, healthcare gaps, labour-related inequalities and other harmful practices affecting women and girls are critical to national development.He stated this at the NHRC and Stakeholders engagement in Abuja.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Women and Children at the Commission, Mrs. Ngozi Okorie stressed that cultural reform must align with human rights principles, noting that no culture is superior to human dignity and fundamental rights.
He further stated that Nigeria’s Constitution, the mandates of relevant institutions and the country’s international obligations provide a solid foundation for advancing women’s rights and child protection through policies and initiatives aimed at improving leadership, education, maternal health and the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
Ojukwu also noted that the Commission has continued to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women’s groups, community leaders, and young people in dialogue-driven approaches that prioritise community ownership of reforms.
His words: “A closer look at the regulation of harmful practices shows clearly that this is not an attack on culture. Rather, it is an effort to renew culture by strengthening the values of health, respect, and human dignity—values that our ancestors themselves upheld,”
A representative of the Ford Foundation, Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs said the organisation remained committed to supporting initiatives that protect Nigeria’s natural and cultural environment while encouraging reflection on long-standing cultural practices.
Derex-Briggs said that many practices have existed for generations and called for open conversations on whether such traditions still serve meaningful purposes and how they affect individuals and communities.
According to her, culture is dynamic and should remain open to reflection and renewal as society evolves.
Mrs. Tasha Roseline who represented the Federal Ministry of Justice reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening legal, policy, and institutional frameworks that promote women’s rights, combat gender-based discrimination, and improve access to justice for victims of violence and harassment.
The Ministry highlighted ongoing public enlightenment campaigns, legal aid and mediation services, community sensitisation programmes, and strategic collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders to promote awareness of human rights and gender equality.
It also reiterated government’s commitment to supporting women’s inclusion in decision-making processes, equal access to education and economic opportunities, and the elimination of harmful cultural practices limiting the potential of women and girls.
Speaking on the project overview titled “Empowering Traditional Rulers in Nigeria to Adopt and Implement Community Guidelines for Gender Equity and Non-Discrimination Against Women,” Mr. Chino Obiagwu, National Coordinator of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project and member of the NHRC Governing Council, underscored the importance of community-led approaches in advancing gender equity.
Also speaking, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Executive Director of Women Aid Collective and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, delivered a presentation on harmful socio-cultural practices in Nigeria, focusing on trends, impacts and existing legal frameworks.
Participants at the engagement agreed that promoting women’s rights and protecting children are not only human rights issues but also essential for economic growth, social stability, and national development.
There were plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and presentations of group reports, with participation from traditional rulers, government agencies, ministries, religious leaders, faith-based organisations, academics, students, and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, stakeholders restated their renewed commitments to strengthen collaboration, support community-based guidelines promoting respect and dignity, and ensure effective implementation of reforms at the grassroots level.
END
