CYPA Africa demands urgent action on gender justice, condemns political suppression of women

The Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue, and Advocacy (CYPA Africa) has called for urgent and decisive action to dismantle barriers hindering gender justice in Nigeria, stating that rhetoric alone is insufficient.

Amb. Chris Iyama, Executive Director of CYPA Africa, made this call at a press conference in Jos, Plateau State, to mark International Women’s Day 2025. He emphasized the need for concrete steps to address gender-based discrimination, economic exclusion, and political marginalization.

“On this International Women’s Day, we stand in unwavering solidarity with women across Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” he said. “We call for urgent, decisive, and sustained action to dismantle the barriers that hinder gender equity and justice.”

Iyama noted that despite their vital contributions to society, women continue to face systemic obstacles, including economic exclusion, political marginalization, and gender-based violence. He stressed that this year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” is not just a call for conversation but a demand for transformation requiring the collective effort of governments, institutions, civil society, and individuals.

Highlighting real-world challenges women face in leadership, Iyama cited the ordeal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a stark reminder of these systemic barriers.

“The ongoing ordeal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has faced political intimidation and gender-based attacks despite her lawful mandate, serves as a reminder of the entrenched barriers against women in leadership. This is unacceptable,” he said. “We will not stand by as competent and courageous women are silenced, intimidated, or denied their rightful place in decision-making spaces.”

CYPA Africa urged the government, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action toward achieving gender justice. The organization emphasized that symbolic commitments were not enough and called for immediate steps to address the issue.

As part of its demands, CYPA Africa pressed for the passage of the five gender bills previously rejected by the National Assembly, describing their rejection as a major setback for women’s rights in Nigeria. The group insisted that reconsidering and enacting these bills was crucial for advancing gender equality.

Iyama also condemned the systemic suppression of women in leadership and called for stronger legal protections to end political intimidation, harassment, and targeted attacks against female leaders.

“The targeted attacks, harassment, and suppression of women in politics must stop,” he stated. “Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary must ensure the protection of women leaders. Government institutions, corporate bodies, and political parties must commit to at least 35% representation of women in leadership and governance structures.”

He further urged authorities to enforce stricter laws against gender-based violence, improve victim support systems, and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The time for symbolic gestures has passed,” Iyama said. “Women do not need permission to lead; they need the space, support, and systemic change necessary to thrive. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, corporate leaders, activists, and citizens—to take tangible steps toward gender equity. Change is not a matter of convenience; it is a necessity.”

Also speaking , entrepreneur Naomi Kareem underscored the importance of budgetary support for gender-based violence policies. She argued that policies alone were insufficient, insisting that financial commitments were necessary to ensure effective implementation.

She further emphasized the need for women to have proper access to land and called on traditional and religious leaders to actively advocate for women’s rights, stressing that improving the lives of women ultimately benefits society as a whole.