To be released
Abuja
March 8, 2026
06.00 am
CLEEN Foundation Marks International Women’s Day, Calls for Passage of the Reserved Women’s Seat Bill and Reform of Discriminatory Policies in Security Institutions
As the global community commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, CLEEN Foundation joins millions across Nigeria and around the world in celebrating the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women while calling for concrete actions to dismantle structural barriers that limit women’s participation, safety, and equal opportunities. Join the foundation’s webinar tomorrow at 2 pm for fresh and robust perspectives.
This year’s commemoration is a reminder that while progress has been made in advancing gender equality, significant gaps remain in representation, protection, and fairness within key public institutions. In Nigeria, women continue to face systemic obstacles in politics, governance, and the security sector—spaces that are critical to shaping policies and decisions affecting national development and public safety.
CLEEN Foundation therefore calls on the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Reserved Women’s Seat Bill, a critical legislative reform aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s political institutions. Enhancing women’s participation in legislative decision-making is not merely a matter of equity; it is essential for strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that national policies reflect the realities and priorities of the entire population.
The Foundation also urges the leadership of Nigeria’s security institutions to review and eliminate discriminatory provisions that continue to affect female personnel. Across several security agencies, women still confront policies and practices that restrict career advancement, impose unfair service conditions, or fail to provide adequate protection against harassment and discrimination. Addressing these issues is necessary to build professional, inclusive, and effective security institutions capable of responding to contemporary security challenges.
CLEEN Foundation emphasizes that gender-responsive security institutions are fundamental to improving public trust, accountability, and operational effectiveness. Ensuring fair recruitment, equal opportunities for promotion, and supportive workplace environments for women within the security sector will strengthen institutional integrity and enhance service delivery to the Nigerian public.
On this important occasion, CLEEN Foundation stands in solidarity with Nigerian women leaders, activists, professionals, security personnel, entrepreneurs, and young people whose contributions continue to shape the nation’s democratic and development trajectory.
As Nigeria marks International Women’s Day 2026, CLEEN Foundation calls on government, lawmakers, security institutions, and civil society organizations to take decisive steps toward building a more inclusive society where women and girls can participate fully, serve without discrimination, and contribute meaningfully to national peace, security, and development.
Signed:
Peter Maduoma
Executive Director