The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has urged West African women to take action against gender based violence and discrimination against them by filing such cases in the
ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Mrs Frances Ibanga, the president of the group, made the call in an interview with the Newsspecng.com in Abuja.
She spoke on the sidelines of a street walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), with the theme: “Accelerated Action,” held on Saturday.
Ibanga said the ECOWAS Court is basically a human rights court, hence women should channel their grievances on all forms of gender based violence or discrimination to it for adjudication.
“Women have had cause to bring action before this court on gender violence and they succeeded, they have been granted justice.
“We even have the case of an aircraft woman against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in which an Air Force woman was abused, was raped, and things like that, and she got justice.
“When she ran to this court, she was given that confidence, at least her confidence was restored, and now she is enjoying the fruits of her labour, and things like that,” she said.
On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.
According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps, and be encouraged, to achieve whatever they want.
“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”
“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals, we have been, you know, doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.
“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.
She explained that the forum has over the years been at the forefront of supporting women and young school girls, by doing a lot for them.
“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights, and at the same time, empower them economically.
“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically because if you do that, that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.
“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.
Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s Chief Registrar, in a separate interview, advised women to work on their mindsets, abolish inferiority complex and believe they can do whatever men can do.
Also speaking, Mrs Ami Savage, Head of ECOWAS Court Administration and Human Resources Division, urged the Federal Government to ensure that every girl-child is compulsorily educated up to university level.
