Amnesty International Engages Stakeholders on Women’s Rights, Justice in Bauchi

By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel

Amnesty International Nigeria has engaged community leaders, legal practitioners, young women and other stakeholders in Bauchi State in a community outreach aimed at promoting women’s rights and improving access to justice for women and girls.

The outreach, tagged “Justice for Her,” was organised on Saturday at Mc Dallas Event Centre, Bauchi, as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

Speaking during the event, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the organising team, Amina Ishak Ibrahim, said the programme was designed to bring together men, women and young girls to celebrate women while also addressing the challenges they face in society.

She explained that the initiative aligns with the global theme for the 2026 International Women’s Day set by the United Nations: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

She noted that the outreach created a platform for dialogue among traditional rulers, the media, civil society groups and community members to identify existing gaps and collectively find solutions that would ensure justice and equal treatment for women and girls.

The Amnesty International Bauchi State coordinator observed that one of the major issues affecting women in many communities is the lack of awareness about their rights.
“For many of the communities represented here today, this is their first time attending such an event. Many young girls are hearing about their rights for the first time,” she said.

She added that such engagements are necessary to ensure that young girls and women gain access to critical information that can help them seek justice when their rights are violated.

Also speaking, Hamza Ishaya , a legal practitioner in Bauchi identified discrimination as one of the major challenges facing women in Bauchi in particular and Nigeria by extension
“As far as I am concerned, the number one issue women face is discrimination,” he said.

According to him, discrimination manifests in various aspects of life including the workplace, politics and everyday social interactions where women are often denied opportunities and privileges.

He stressed that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen regardless of gender, religion or status.
“The constitution, particularly Section 42, prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of sex,” the lawyer said.

The organisers also encouraged stakeholders to continue promoting awareness and creating safe channels for reporting rights violations, noting that many victims often remain silent because they do not know where to seek help which is part of my they are gathered.