Nigerian lawmakers, lawyers, and government agencies must work together more closely to combat new threats to women’s and children’s rights, safety, and well-being, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
According to Bamidele, victims of abuse, domestic violence, discrimination, and the denial of women’s inheritance rights—issues that are evolving in response to technological advancements—need concerted action to keep justice accessible, affordable, and effective.
At Monday’s 2026 Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Ekiti State Chapter, he made the call under the subject, “Justice in a Changing World: Responding to New Challenges Affecting Women and Children.”
The senator highlighted the growing problem of sexual exploitation of children and women through the non-consensual circulation of intimate photos, as well as cyberbullying and harassment on the internet. These issues demand immediate response from the government.
In order for justice to be accessible, affordable, fast, and effective—especially for victims of abuse and discrimination—it must transcend constitutional protections and provisions in law books, he emphasised.
Bamidele said that victims of domestic violence should be allowed to seek help without fear of retaliation or stigma, and that abused children should get the help they need.
When it came to enforcing legislation meant to safeguard vulnerable populations, he demanded more cooperation between the National Assembly, state legislatures, the courts, the police, and social welfare organisations.
The Special Seats Bill, which the Senate Leader characterised as a legislative initiative to increase women’s involvement and representation in government, was also emphasised. He stressed the importance of FIDA continuing to work with lawmakers and other government agencies to fill legislative gaps and adapt laws to the new realities faced by women and children.
Bamidele went on to stress the importance of properly financing programs that help protect children and women, as well as effectively monitoring these programs to make sure that the money that is granted actually gets used.
He made the point that standing up to harmful behaviours and advocating for human dignity was everyone’s job, and that defending women and children was a group effort that included families, communities, and public institutions.
Mrs. Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, Chairperson of FIDA, Ekiti State Chapter, had earlier stated that the organization’s mission is to advocate for, represent, educate the public about, and build partnerships to ensure the safety of children and women.
She praised the planning committee’s hard work and devotion to the program’s success and thanked the sponsors, contributors, partners, and supporters whose help made Law Week possible.
Olowoyo-Richards voiced hope that the event’s deliberations would lead to actionable suggestions for enhancing the safety of children and women and expanding their access to justice.