Nigeria has strengthened its presence in global gender rights advocacy with the re-election of Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The re-election, secured with the backing of 123 United Nations member states, marks a notable diplomatic achievement for Nigeria and extends the country’s representation on one of the UN’s principal treaty bodies dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls.
Eghobamien-Mshelia’s return to the committee further reinforces Nigeria’s contribution to international discussions on women’s rights, gender equality and legal reforms.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to advance gender-related reforms through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The Federal Government is also addressing gender-related challenges, including violence against women, unequal representation and broader social inequality at both the national and sub-national levels.
Eghobamien-Mshelia’s renewed mandate offers an opportunity to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing discriminatory laws, strengthening responses to gender-based violence and promoting more inclusive policy frameworks.
Reacting to her victory, Eghobamien-Mshelia said: “Today, I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful. The United Nations Member States have placed their trust in me for another term on the CEDAW Committee, and I do not take this honour lightly. This re-election is not mine alone. It belongs to every woman whose story has never been told in a treaty body. Every girl whose rights remain a promise, not a reality. Every advocate who showed up, spoke up, and refused to be silent.”
She reaffirmed, “The work continues. Accountability deepens. And we go forward with even greater resolve to ensure that the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is not just a document but a lived reality for women and girls everywhere.”
Armed with extensive experience in gender advocacy and multilateral engagement, Eghobamien-Mshelia has earned recognition in international policy circles, particularly on issues relating to women’s empowerment and protection.
Her re-election underscores the importance of Nigeria’s continued engagement in multilateral institutions and highlights the role of experienced Nigerian professionals in advancing the country’s diplomatic interests and supporting the global promotion of women’s rights.
CEDAW monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, with a mandate to eliminate discrimination, strengthen legal protections and promote equal access to education, healthcare, political participation and economic opportunities.
