NRHJN Seeks Policies, Programmes To Protect Women’s Rights

As the global community today marks this year’s  International Women’s Day, the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, NRHJN has called on Nigerians to immediately do away with the common myths surrounding contraception and family planning, and reassess consent for better maternal health.

In a message to mark the event, the president  of NRHJN, Mrs. Yinka Sokunbi  said there was need for more awareness on bodily autonomy and reproductive journeys, short conversations with a nurse, midwife, a survivor of GBV, a policy advocate, or a woman living with HIV to humanize and normalise conversations around the issues.
”This no doubt is a considerable gain in the reproductive health journey, ensuring women can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures is also essential for the sustainable development of the country.”

”We also emphasize the critical role of the media in amplifying women’s voices, raising awareness about reproductive health rights, and holding duty bearers accountable for policies and programmes that affect women’s health and dignity.”

”In the spirit of “Give To Gain,” we urge governments at all levels, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders to prioritize policies and programmes that protect women’s rights, expand access to reproductive health services, and create opportunities for women to lead and thrive.’‘

According to her, ”This year, IWD 2026 also calls for action to dismantle the structural barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.”

Mrs Sokunbi noted that there was need  to give up on barriers that limit access to opportunities for young women to contribute to innovative activities that aid the development of the economy.

”As the country prepares for 2027 elections,  Nigerian women and advocacy groups are demanding the creation of 74 additional, dedicated seats for women in the National Assembly (37 in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives) through the “Special Seats for Women Bill.”

”This is a fair demand when we realise that these demands aim to correct the severe underrepresentation of women, who currently hold only 19 of the 469 available seats in the 10th National Assembly (about 4%).” she added.