IWD 2026: Oviesa pushes for digital Inclusion, Justice for women

Chief Mrs. Rahamat Otsomosi-Oviesa has called for urgent and collective action to break barriers limiting women’s voices and participation in society, emphasizing the need for digital empowerment, education, and stronger institutional support.

She made this known while speaking as a panelist at an International Women’s Day event organized by the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), held recently at the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, themed “Empowering Women and Girls Through Digital Education, AI and Health Equity,” brought together stakeholders, advocates, and policymakers to discuss practical steps toward achieving gender equality. The campaign anchor for the programme was “Give to Gain.”

In her presentation, Otsomosi-Oviesa highlighted key barriers preventing women from speaking out, including fear of stigma and judgment, economic dependence, weak support systems, and limited access to digital platforms.

She noted that many women remain silent due to societal pressure and fear of being blamed or labeled, stressing that such attitudes must change. According to her, economic reliance—especially in abusive situations—often discourages women from seeking help, while lack of support from families and institutions further worsens the situation.

She also pointed to the digital divide, particularly in rural communities, as a major limitation, saying many women lack access to platforms that could amplify their voices and provide support.

To address these challenges, Otsomosi-Oviesa advocated community reorientation to reshape cultural narratives and promote the protection of women rather than their silence. She emphasized the importance of education and awareness in building women’s confidence and equipping them with knowledge of their rights and dignity.

She further called for the creation of safe spaces—both physical and digital—where women can speak freely without fear, noting that when women feel safe to express themselves, entire communities benefit.

Highlighting the role of men and boys, she stressed that meaningful change cannot happen without their involvement, urging society to raise them to respect and support women.

The panelist also underscored the importance of economic empowerment, stating that financially independent women are better positioned to speak up and take action. She added that digital tools and artificial intelligence could play a vital role in bridging information gaps, offering anonymous support, and amplifying women’s voices.

Otsomosi-Oviesa further called for stronger institutions, insisting that laws and policies must not only exist but be effectively implemented to ensure justice for women.

She concluded by urging society to recognize that silence is not peace but fear, and that protecting women is a leadership responsibility. According to her, building stronger communities requires creating an environment where women feel safe, heard, and respected.

The event ended with a renewed call for stakeholders to take deliberate actions toward achieving rights, justice, and equal opportunities for all women.