Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, observed under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing the rights of women and girls while also drawing attention to the persistent challenges that continue to undermine equality, dignity and justice.
In a statement issued by our Founder and Chairperson, Funmi Falana SAN, WELA emphasised that the rights of women and girls extend beyond basic civil liberties to include reproductive rights, maternal health rights, mental health rights and the fundamental human rights guaranteed to every citizen.
According to the organisation, the theme for this year highlights three essential commitments: recognition of rights, the pursuit of justice and, most importantly, decisive action.
WELA noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees equality before the law for all citizens regardless of sex. This means that women and men are equal before the law, and any form of discrimination against women in the workplace, in society or within the home constitutes a violation of those constitutional protections.
The organisation stressed that justice is the mechanism through which rights become meaningful in the lives of ordinary people. Without justice and enforcement, rights remain promises that exist only on paper.
Across Nigeria and many parts of the world, women and girls continue to face numerous challenges, including violence, abuse, discrimination and economic marginalisation. WELA therefore reiterated the need for justice and accountability in cases involving gender-based violence and other forms of injustice against women.
The organisation also acknowledged the progress represented by the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which provides important protections against violence. However, WELA noted that awareness and enforcement of the law remain major challenges that must be addressed.
As part of its advocacy on maternal health rights, WELA drew attention to an important initiative by the National Health Insurance Authority, which announced the commencement of free Caesarean Section services for pregnant women in more than 100 hospitals across Nigeria on 18 April 2025.
WELA described the programme as a significant step toward improving access to life-saving maternal healthcare for women. However, the organisation emphasised that government policies must translate into real services for those who need them.
Pregnant women who are eligible for the programme must not be denied access to the free Caesarean Section services promised by the government. Any refusal to provide such services undermines the rights and dignity of women and places lives at risk.
Women who are denied the service are encouraged to contact WELA for legal support and intervention.
Hospitals Participating in the Free Caesarean Section Programme
The initiative is being implemented in several federal, state and faith-based hospitals across Nigeria. Some of the facilities participating in the programme include:
- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano
- Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano
- St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital, Kaduna
- Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Kaduna
- Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, Kaduna State
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
- Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto
- Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, Zamfara
- General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara
- General Hospital, Shinkafi, Zamfara
- General Hospital, Tsafe, Zamfara
- Martha Bamaiyi General Hospital, Zuru, Kebbi State
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe
- University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno
- Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare, Bauchi
- Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe
- Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Adamawa
- Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State
- Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State
- University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT
- General Hospital, Suleja, Niger State
- General Hospital, Mokwa, Niger State
- General Hospital, Tunga Magajiya, Niger State
- Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti
- Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti
- State Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State
- State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, Ondo State
- Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, Ijemo, Ogun State
- University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State
- Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- David Umahi University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State
- National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
- St. Patrick Hospital, Abakaliki
- Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State
WELA urged pregnant women, their families and members of the public to report any hospital that refuses to provide the free Caesarean Section services where the programme has been announced.
Beyond maternal health, WELA also reminded women of their legal rights within the home and society. Women have equal rights with their husbands in matters relating to property, decision-making and the welfare of their children. Custody of children is not automatically the exclusive right of fathers; both parents have legal responsibilities and rights regarding their children.
As part of its message for International Women’s Day, WELA called for increased awareness of women’s legal and health rights, stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and girls, improved support systems for survivors of violence—including legal aid, counselling and medical care—and greater accountability from institutions responsible for protecting women.
International Women’s Day must go beyond symbolic celebration and become a genuine commitment to action.
When women and girls are empowered and protected, families thrive, communities grow stronger and nations develop.
WELA remains committed to advancing the rights, protection and empowerment of women and girls through legal advocacy, community interventions and support for survivors of injustice.
The organisation’s statement received national media attention and was reported by outlets including THISDAY Newspaper, Vanguard Newspaper, and The Guardian Nigeria, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy for women’s rights and maternal healthcare in Nigeria.