IWD: LASG vows commitment to enforcement of women, girls’ rights

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday restated its commitment to protecting and enforcing the rights of women and girls in line with international conventions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the commitment while marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, themed: “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls #GivetoGain”, charging persons in positions of influence to ensure the strengthening of these rights and advances justice of women.

The event which organised by the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), celebrate the vital role women play in society. Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was aligned with the global call of International Women’s Day 2026.”

“The theme challenge all to move beyond rhetoric,” emphasising that women’s rights are constitutional obligations and that justice must be accessible and survivor-centered, as gender protection remains embedded under the THEMES PLUS Agenda.

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“Lagos State continues 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 timely. Justice must be fair. Justice must protect the vulnerable and hold offenders accountable,”

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, on her part, said the event was to recognise the strength of women to the growth and development of the nation to building a more just and inclusive society, adding that they must be given the opportunity to grow.

Bolaji Cecilia Dada, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation(MWAPA), noted that the event was to reinforce a policy position, a governance priority, and a moral obligation.

She commended the people-centred leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, citing consistently in placing women, girls, children, and vulnerable populations at the centre of governance.

Dada reaffirmed WAPA’s commitment to a Lagos where women and girls are safe, economically empowered, socially protected, and fully included in shaping a shared prosperity.

Lateefat Justice Oluyemi, guest speaker at the event, urged women to be focused and make sacrifices for their children, especially the girl-child to be educated.

She also urged girls not to allow any untoward circumstances stop them from achieving their aims as the Lagos State government remains committed to the protection of their rights.