Abuja, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – International Women’s Day, first recognized by the United Nations in 1977, remains a vital global platform for celebrating progress and tackling the persistent challenges to achieving gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” highlights the urgent need for collective, decisive efforts to break systemic barriers and create a more equitable society.

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality through advocacy and systemic reforms. As a non-governmental organization and social enterprise, PPDC promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. A core aspect of our work focuses on gender-responsive reforms, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in economic and political participation, as well as access to justice.

Through research, advocacy, system strengthening, and capacity-building initiatives, PPDC has empowered over 1,000 women. Notably, our research has contributed to the adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Bill and Action Plan in Kaduna State, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing policies that support women’s inclusion and economic growth.

Despite significant strides in the past 30 years, at the current pace, full gender equality may not be achieved until 2158, a delay that is unacceptable. To close this gap, urgent measures must be taken.

Call To Action

• Sustain the enforcement of the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to protect women from all forms of violence and ensure legal safeguards for victims and survivors.
• Accelerate the implementation of the National Gender Policy to drive gender-inclusive reforms in governance, economic participation, and leadership.
• Fast-track the passage of the Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women (HB 1349) to increase women’s representation in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
• Close the gender pay gap by ensuring equal economic participation, fair wages, and greater representation of women in decision-making roles.
• Implement the National Action Plan for United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 to recognize the impact of conflict on women and strengthen their role in peace and security processes.
• Eradicate harmful socio-cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination, human rights violations, femicide and gender-based violence.

PPDC remains steadfast in its advocacy for inclusive governance, economic justice, and policies that empower women. As we commemorate this day, we call on governments, the private sector, and civil society to move beyond commitments and take concrete, immediate action. The time for equality is now.

About PPDC

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-profit organisation committed to improving citizens participation in governance in a way that improves the integrity of public governance processes, fostering transparent and accountable governance. We empower citizens to actively participate in shaping their communities by driving institutional, behavioural, and systemic change.

Signed:

Lucy James Abagi 

Chief Executive Officer, PPDC