Former Nigerian senator and health commissioner in Ogun state, Southwest Nigeria, Iyabo Obasanjo, has called for stronger action to ensure that the rights of women and girls move beyond legal guarantees to real justice in everyday life.
Speaking to mark International Women’s Day, Obasanjo said the global celebration should not only highlight the achievements of women but also draw attention to the gap that still exists between policies and lived realities.
In a statement, the governorship aspirant under Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress in Ogun State said this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” is a call to move from promises to meaningful results.
According to her, although many countries have introduced laws aimed at protecting women’s rights including equal pay policies and measures against discrimination those protections often fail to translate into real equality in society.
“Having rights on paper is not the same as experiencing justice in everyday life,” she said, noting that true equality should be visible in workplaces, hospitals, courtrooms and public institutions.
Obasanjo stressed that achieving genuine progress requires confronting subtle forms of discrimination and investing in the health, safety and empowerment of girls.
She added that when societies invest in women, the benefits extend beyond individuals to families, communities and national development.
Reflecting on her own journey in public life, the former senator dismissed the commonly held belief that women undermine one another.
Instead, she said many of the most influential figures in her life including her mother, grandmother and mentors have been women who supported and guided her.
Obasanjo also expressed confidence that greater female representation in leadership positions would inspire younger generations of girls to pursue leadership and public service.
She concluded by urging women to support one another and work collectively toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
Across the world, International Women’s Day continues to serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, the push for equal rights, justice and opportunity for women remains a global challenge.