By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection and enforcement of the rights of women and girls, in line with global standards and international conventions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Tuesday during the commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, themed: “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls #GiveToGain.”
The governor charged individuals in positions of authority and influence to move beyond rhetoric by taking concrete steps to strengthen women’s rights and advance justice across all sectors.
According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration underscores the urgency of translating commitments into measurable actions.
“Women’s rights are not optional; they are constitutional obligations. Justice must be accessible, timely, and survivor-centred,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that gender protection remains a key pillar of the state’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, stressing that Lagos has continued to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to combat gender-based violence, child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
“Our position is clear: there is zero tolerance for injustice against women and girls. Justice must be fair and must protect the vulnerable while ensuring offenders are held accountable,” the governor added.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), celebrated the critical contributions of women to societal growth and development.
In her remarks, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the need to recognise and harness the potential of women in nation-building, calling for greater opportunities to enable them thrive.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, described the celebration as more than a symbolic event, noting that it reflects a firm policy direction, governance priority, and moral responsibility of the state government.
She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s people-oriented leadership, highlighting his consistent focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups as central to governance.
Dada reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a Lagos where women and girls are safe, economically empowered, socially protected, and fully included in shaping shared prosperity.
Guest speaker at the event, Lateefat Justice Oluyemi, urged women to remain focused and make sacrifices toward the upbringing and education of their children, particularly the girl-child.
She also encouraged young girls not to allow adverse circumstances hinder their ambitions, assuring them of the state government’s continued commitment to safeguarding their rights and future.
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