IWD: ANA Urges FG To Strengthen Policies That Protect Women’s Rights, Promote Gender Equality

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has urged the federal government and policymakers to strengthen policies and programmes that protect the rights of women and promote gender equality.

The call, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, was targeted at honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for accelerated action on gender equality.

In a statement by the ANA National President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, the association highlighted the role of Nigerian women writers in not only amplifying women’s voices but also elevating Nigerian literature globally while simultaneously addressing issues of identity, gender justice, cultural transformation, and the lived experiences of women.

“Nigeria has been blessed with a rich tradition of remarkable women writers whose works have shaped the nation’s literary landscape and amplified the voices of women across the world. Distinguished authors such as Flora Nwapa, Buchi Emecheta, Zaynab Alkali, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Professor Razinat Mohammed, Mabel Segun, Professor Ajima, Professor Lola Akande, Lola Shoneyin, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Sefi Atta, among others. Their enduring legacies continue to inspire generations of writers and readers”.

The association further acknowledged the growing number of contemporary female writers who are “pushing creative boundaries and redefining narratives about womanhood, leadership, and empowerment.”

It, however, noted that despite the accomplishments and the impact of their works in the Nigerian society, women are still plagued by persistent challenges like gender-based violence (GBV), limited access to quality education, economic inequality, under-representation in leadership, and harmful cultural practices, which hinder women’s full participation in national development.

Thus, it urged the government to “intensify efforts to address gender-based violence, expand educational opportunities for girls, support women in the creative and cultural industries, and ensure greater representation of women in governance and decision-making processes.”

On its part, the association pledged to build a society where women’s voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.