As the global community marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, CLEEN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in Nigeria.
The foundation joined the worldwide movement with a high-level policy dialogue focused on accelerating action on women’s socio-economic empowerment and political representation, addressing the challenges, opportunities, and the path forward.
In a statement issued by its Acting Executive Director, Peter Maduoma, CLEEN Foundation emphasized that the organization recognizes and celebrates the resilience and invaluable contributions of women across the globe who continue to push for gender equality. This year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action for Equality,” serves as a clarion call for urgent and effective initiatives to combat gender-based injustices, including sexual exploitation, workplace discrimination, and systemic barriers to women’s leadership.
One of the key discussions at the event was Bill HB1349, currently at the 10th National Assembly, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to reserve additional seats for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly. This bill aims to ensure that Nigeria’s governance structures reflect the leadership, strength, and contributions of women, thereby fostering greater political representation.
Maduoma noted that the proposed legislation has faced repeated setbacks, having suffered multiple rejections from the 7th to the 9th Assemblies. He urged the 10th Assembly to demonstrate political will and legislative strength in pushing the bill forward, stating that failure to do so would be a grave disservice to Nigerian women and the broader cause of democracy and inclusivity.
Coinciding with this year’s International Women’s Day is the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual exploitation involving Senator Natasha Akpoti, which surfaced in recent weeks and ignited widespread debate about the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
CLEEN Foundation underscored that this case is a stark reminder of the systemic hurdles women face when seeking justice in cases of harassment, exploitation, and discrimination. The foundation emphasized that these issues must be handled with sensitivity, seriousness, and fairness, ensuring that victims receive justice through transparent and impartial investigations.
It also recalled that, in a similar pattern, the 9th Assembly dismissed strategic gender equality bills on the eve of International Women’s Day celebrations, reinforcing concerns about institutional resistance to advancing women’s rights.
He said the case involving Senator Akpoti underscores the broader fight against gender-based violence and exploitation. It is imperative for Senate leaders, the Executive, Judiciary, and traditional and religious leaders to demonstrate their commitment to equality by fostering inclusive policies, implementing stricter measures against perpetrators, and ensuring justice for victims, Maduoma stated.
Beyond legislative measures, CLEEN Foundation emphasized the urgent need for a societal shift in attitudes towards sexual harassment and gender equality. The organization denounced the scapegoating of women who speak out against sexual violence, warning against the use of legal technicalities to suppress legitimate allegations.
Maduoma also stressed the importance of education and awareness in dismantling harmful stereotypes and patriarchal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. He called for greater investment in educational initiatives that empower women and girls while actively engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.
As International Women’s Day 2025 unfolds, CLEEN Foundation is urging all stakeholder including lawmakers, civil society organizations, policymakers, and the general public, to take decisive action in advancing gender equality.
