The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) has called for decisive, merit-based reforms and the dismantling of patriarchal barriers to advance gender parity in Nigeria.

The call was made at the end of the Forum’s 2025 Annual General Conference held at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja on April 29 and 30.

With the theme, “From Promise to Action: Achieving Gender Parity for Lasting Change”, the conference drew participation from women lawyers across the country, including male practitioners such as the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).

The two-day event began with a cocktail fireside chat featuring Justice Amina Augie (rtd), and concluded with a keynote address by Justice Binta Nyako, who challenged women to push beyond promises and demand action toward equal representation and opportunity.

Panel discussions delved into economic development, leadership, mental health, and strategies to combat sexual harassment and domestic obstacles limiting women’s progress.

In a communique jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairperson, Huwaila Ibrahim, and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Aisha Ado Abdullahi, the conference acknowledged that systemic patriarchy, economic marginalisation, and socio-cultural biases continue to hamper women’s participation in law, politics and governance.

“Despite constitutional guarantees and international commitments, Nigerian women remain underrepresented in governance.

“Discrimination persists not because of a lack of competence, but due to deep-rooted traditions and stereotypes,” the communique noted.

The forum recommended, among others, equal access to employment, education, and political appointments, a merit-based selection process for women leaders, and stronger legal sanctions against gender-based violence.

It also called for enforcement of the 30 per cent women representation benchmark from the Beijing Platform of Action.

NBAWF emphasised that true equality would only emerge when women themselves reject harmful traditions and demand the dignity, justice, and opportunities they deserve.

Culled Guardian