A coalition of women and civil rights organizations held a peaceful sit-in protest in Lagos on Tuesday, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration.
The protest aimed to bring national attention to the increasing incidents of femicide, domestic violence, and gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The event, organized by leading advocates such as Barrister Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, and Anthonia Ojenagbon of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken, was a powerful call to action against the systemic marginalization and abuse of women, which persist 64 years post-independence.
Participants expressed deep concern over the country’s inadequate protection of women’s rights, calling for urgent reforms to address the rampant violence.
In her address, Barrister Taiwo-Ojo lamented the entrenched patriarchy in Nigerian society, which continues to deny women their rights, equality, and safety at home, in the workplace, and as individuals.
She described the current judicial and social frameworks as incapable of adequately addressing the gender disparities that exist, resulting in the continuous abuse and marginalization of women across the nation.
She stated that the judicial system, as it stands, is not only indifferent to women’s plight but is also structured in a way that oppresses them. She further noted that women are subjected to various forms of humiliation and abuse, yet they lack the necessary legal and social support to seek redress and protection.
Anthonia Ojenagbon highlighted a series of tragic cases that demonstrate the alarming rate of violence against women in Nigeria. She cited incidents such as the brutal murder of Uwa Omozuwa in a church in Edo State, the stabbing of Evelyn Ibe by her husband in Abuja, and the killing of Comfort Ogbu by her spouse in Enugu.
These are just a few examples of the numerous cases of women losing their lives to domestic violence and gender-based attacks.
Ojenagbon said it was an endless list—from Bimbo Ogbonna, a victim of domestic violence, to Christiana, who was killed by a family friend demanding ransom, to Barakat, who was murdered by a stranger. These are not isolated incidents.
They reveal a terrifying pattern of abuse that can no longer be ignored.
The protesters also recalled other egregious cases, including the rape of a married woman by a police officer in custody in Lagos and the defilement of a young girl by a police officer within a police station. Despite these atrocities, the protesters argued that there has been insufficient legal action and protection for women in Nigeria.
The coalition of women’s rights groups called on the government to take immediate steps to expedite the prosecution of pending GBV cases, strengthen laws and policies that protect women’s rights, and increase funding for support services and shelters. These measures, they emphasized, would raise awareness about the devastating impact of GBV, push for swift justice for victims, and advocate for comprehensive policy reforms.
“Enough is enough,” the women collectively declared. As Nigeria moves forward, so too must the rights and protections afforded to women progress. They stressed the need for an environment that amplifies the voices of victims, demands accountability, and ensures a safer Nigeria for all.
The peaceful sit-in protest served as a solemn yet powerful reminder that, 64 years after independence, Nigerian women are still fighting for freedom from abuse, violence, and systemic oppression. The organizers urged all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the general public, to unite in the struggle to end gender-based violence and create a more just and equitable society for women across the nation.
