SOS Children Villages has lamented gender barriers against women in Nigeria.
The organization in a statement issued on Saturday said women are hindered by systemic gender barriers that limit their representation in leadership, economic participation, and access to education.
It said r espite progress, women hold just 5% of CEO positions across Africa and less than 15% of parliamentary seats.
In Nigeria, only 6% of top leadership positions in government and private sectors are occupied by women according to the National Bureau of Statistics, 2024.
These numbers highlight a persistent challenge—women remain largely excluded from decision-making roles, slowing national progress and economic development.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria is reinforcing its commitment to gender inclusion and equality, calling for bold, decisive action to break down systemic barriers limiting women and girls.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action emphasizes the urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
Globally, women still earn 20% less than men for the same work. Furthermore, one in three Nigerian women has experienced gender-based violence and over 10 million girls remain out of school due to economic and cultural barriers. These statistics underscore the urgent need to accelerate action for gender equality, moving beyond rhetoric to sustainable, measurable progress.
The National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls: “We cannot achieve national development when half of our population is held back by inequality. Gender parity is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right. Equipping girls and young women with knowledge of their rights and essential empowerment tools gives them an edge in today’s world. When girls understand their value, they are better prepared to challenge discrimination, claim their space in leadership, and drive change in their communities. We must ensure they have access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities that will enable them to thrive and that’s our core at SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, no girl and woman must live in fear of violence. The time for change is now, and it requires the collective effort of government, private sector leaders, and communities.
SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to turn commitments into concrete action by implementing gender-inclusive policies, fostering leadership pipelines for women, closing the gender pay gap, and ensuring access to education and skills development for girls. Government agencies must enforce laws that protect women’s rights and frameworks that challenge stereotypes. while private sector organizations should invest in inclusive work environments, implement diversity and inclusion policies that provide equal growth opportunities for women. Educational institutions should bridge the gender gap in STEM and leadership training, community leaders must break cultural and societal norms that hinder women’s progress. We challenge the media to amplify stories of strong and successful women, reshaping the narrative around gender roles. Everybody must stand as allies, ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected and promoted every day. Together, we can accelerate progress and build a future where women lead, thrive, and transform societies.
