A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the 16 Days Continuum, has called on the Kogi State Government to take urgent and concrete steps to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advance the rights of women and girls across the State.
The Chairperson of the group, Ajuna Okolo made the call on Monday at a Press conference in Lokoja, the State capital, to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2026.
The group said the annual celebration should not only honour the achievements and resilience of women, but should also serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address persistent inequalities affecting women across Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the coalition urged the Kogi State Government to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination.
The organisations also called on traditional and religious leaders to promote cultural reforms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls, while condemning practices such as domestic violence and child marriage.
The coalition expressed the hope that the 2026 observance of International Women’s Day would mark a turning point toward ensuring that every woman in Kogi State can live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
