Group Calls For Justice, Action On International Women’s Day

The Sahara Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day, issuing a strong call for the translation of rhetoric into tangible rights, justice, and action for all women and girls in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Capoon of the Sahara Deck, (Abuja City Centre), Chike Onyia, the association celebrated the resilience and achievements of Nigerian women on the global stage, citing leaders such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organisation, to trailblazers in public service like Dora Akunyili, and contemporary political leaders such as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ireti Kingibe, and business icons like Ibukun Awosika.

However, the statement quickly pivoted to a stark assessment of the persistent inequalities within the nation’s borders.

Aligning with the global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the Sahara Deck highlighted the urgent need to address the severe underrepresentation of women in Nigerian governance. The group pointed to alarming statistics: women currently hold only about 4% of elective political offices, with just four female senators in the 109-member upper chamber and fewer than twenty women in the 360-member House of Representatives.

“This stark underrepresentation reflects deeper structural barriers that continue to limit women’s access to political power, economic opportunity, and leadership,” the statement read. “At the same time, gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful cultural practices still undermine the dignity and safety of many women and girls, reminding us that the struggle for rights, justice, and meaningful action remains both necessary and urgent.”

As part of its activities to mark the day, the Sahara Deck hosted a special edition of the NAS Citizens Summit via a radio programme.The session featured Kemi Yesufu, a renowned journalist and Editor-in-Chief/CEO of Frontline News Online, who delivered a compelling discourse on “Women in Politics: Advancing Inclusive Governance and Democratic Participation.” The discussion underscored the critical need for creating deliberate pathways to boost female representation in leadership.

Reaffirming the confraternity’s core ideals of justice, equity, and social responsibility, the Sahara Deck declared the empowerment of women and girls a “national imperative.”

“The progress of any society is measured by how well it safeguards the rights and dignity of its women and girls,” the statement concluded. “The task before us is therefore clear: to ensure that the promise of rights and justice becomes a lived reality for every woman and every girl.”