Nigeria’s election to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), with 123 votes, is a significant milestone and a welcome recognition of the country’s role in advancing global conversations on women’s rights. SWEDIWorld congratulates the Government of Nigeria and the newly elected Committee member, and wishes her every success.

At SWEDIWorld, we believe this achievement should translate into stronger action for women and girls across Nigeria. It is an opportunity to accelerate progress on gender equality by ensuring that women and girls, particularly those in rural communities and other underserved areas, have equal access to:

• education,
• healthcare,
• economic opportunities,
• climate resilience, and
• protection from all forms of discrimination and violence.

As a grassroots organisation working with women and girls, SWEDIWorld remains committed to supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s obligations under CEDAW through evidence-based advocacy, community engagement, girls’ leadership and partnerships that leave no one behind. It looks forward to working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and communities to ensure that the rights guaranteed under CEDAW are reflected in the daily lives of every woman and girl in Nigeria.