International Women’s Day: Journalists’ Network Calls for Increased Investment in Reproductive Health, Protection of Women’s Rights

A media advocacy group on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), has called for increased investment in reproductive healthcare services and stronger protection of women’s rights as the world marks the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the day, the network said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on how global crises and local challenges continue to affect the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.

The message, signed by the National Secretary of the network, Sekinah Lawal, and the Publicity Secretary, Elizabeth Kah, expressed concern that ongoing conflicts in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as rising insecurity in Nigeria, have worsened access to healthcare for vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, children and the elderly.

According to the group, the impact of insecurity and humanitarian crises has placed additional pressure on already fragile health systems, limiting access to essential reproductive healthcare services for millions of women.

The network also noted that access to family planning commodities and contraceptives has been affected by reduced international funding following the withdrawal of the United States under former President Donald Trump from some global health funding platforms.

It listed key organisations affected by the funding reductions to include the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which have traditionally supported reproductive health programmes across developing countries.

Highlighting this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” the network urged Nigerians to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding contraception and family planning while promoting informed decision-making and bodily autonomy among women of reproductive age.

The group stressed the need for stronger collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, youth advocates and civil society organisations to address barriers to reproductive healthcare and increase public awareness of issues affecting women’s reproductive journeys.
According to the network, ensuring that women can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures is essential for achieving sustainable development.

It therefore advocated increased funding for reproductive health services, including family planning, safe motherhood programmes, maternal healthcare and adolescent reproductive health education.

The organisation noted that such investments would significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths, improve child survival rates and enhance the overall quality of life for women and families across Nigeria.

Beyond healthcare, the network also called for urgent action to dismantle structural barriers that hinder equal justice for women, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful cultural practices that undermine the rights of women and girls.

The group urged governments at all levels, as well as development partners and civil society organisations, to expand opportunities for women to participate fully in economic, social and political development.

On political representation, the network reiterated its support for the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to create additional representation for women in the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation aims to establish 74 additional seats for women — 37 in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives — as part of efforts to improve women’s participation in governance and decision-making in Nigeria.