ECOWAS Court Women Forum Marks 2025 International Women’s Day

The Women Forum of the Community Court of Justice (CCJ), ECOWAS marked the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme Accelerate Action on the Rights, Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls. The main celebration which was held on 10 March 2025 at the Court Complex in Abuja, Nigeria, was preceded by a health walk tagged “Empowerment Walk” on 8 March 2025.  

In her welcome remarks, the Forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, called for concerted effort to “dismantle systemic barriers and biases hindering women’s progress.” She highlighted the contributions of the ECOWAS Court in protecting women’s rights and gender equality through its landmark judgments.

The keynote address on the theme was delivered by Mrs Obii Uzoma Onuoha, a former legal adviser at the ECOWAS Commission. She traced the history leading to the establishment of the International Women’s Day by the United Nations to draw attention to the issues of women’s rights. 

Mrs Onuoha underscored the progress made in the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality and called for accelerated action and increased collaboration in achieving full and equal rights for all women and girls.

In an earlier speech, the Honourable President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Goncalves acknowledged the valuable contributions of women in all spheres of life. He lauded female employees of the Court for their dedication as well as their professionalism and diligence in support of the mission the Court.

While celebrating impressive progress women are making in supporting other women and demanding justice, he acknowledged the lingering challenges to full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls.

“This year’s theme is a call to action to ensure that all women have access to their fundamental rights, equal opportunities, and freedom to make decisions about their own lives. We are happy that more women are coming out, raising their voices in support of women and creating opportunities for themselves and other women, the President of the Court said. Hon Justice Dupe Atoki, Patron of the CCJ, ECOWAS Women Forum in her goodwill message, recommended an accelerated representation of women in leadership roles. She said that the desired change should be fierce and consistent to ensure women are accorded their due respect as equal beings. She alluded some of the cultural, traditional, and religious factors that inhibit the empowerment of women and urged them to be strong and assertive in order to attain their full potentials.