National Association of Seadogs Calls for Equal Opportunities for Women on International Women’s Day

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (Sahara Deck), has called for urgent action to eliminate systemic barriers hindering women’s progress in Nigeria. As part of the 2025 International Women’s Day celebrations, the organization organized a “Walk for Justice” in Abuja, highlighting the need for equitable opportunities for women across all sectors.

With this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” the group emphasized the urgency of implementing policies that ensure women’s full participation in education, employment, leadership, and governance. In an official statement, the Steerer of Sahara Deck, Chike Onyia, stressed that gender parity is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step toward national development.

“Women in Nigeria continue to face structural inequalities that limit their economic and social advancement. If we are to achieve sustainable development, we must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to break these barriers,” Onyia said.

As part of its advocacy, the organization unveiled a comprehensive seven-step approach to advancing gender equality in Nigeria. It called for stronger enforcement of gender equity laws, including the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, while advocating for equal pay, maternity and paternity leave policies, and increased female representation in government. The group also emphasized the need for economic empowerment by expanding financial access for women-led businesses, supporting female participation in STEM fields, and ensuring women in agriculture and trade have access to subsidies and market opportunities.

Education was identified as a critical area requiring urgent intervention. The association called for free and compulsory schooling for girls, especially in rural areas, along with targeted initiatives that equip them with technical and leadership skills. It also pushed for strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to combat gender-based violence, the establishment of crisis centers for victims, and nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms.

Addressing leadership and decision-making roles, the group urged increased female participation in politics, corporate boardrooms, and community governance. It also advocated for gender-sensitive media reporting, greater representation of women in the media, and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to dismantle cultural biases. Furthermore, the association called for increased funding for women’s organizations, stronger public-private partnerships, and independent bodies to monitor progress toward gender equality.

The National Association of Seadogs urged government agencies, private institutions, and civil society organizations to actively enforce gender equity policies and create an enabling environment where women can thrive. Onyia reiterated that the Walk for Justice is part of a broader movement to hold institutions accountable for gender disparities.

“This is more than a march; it is a call to action. We must ensure that policies promoting gender equality are not just enacted but fully implemented,” he stated.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, stakeholders across sectors are expected to align with the call for swift, decisive action to bridge gender gaps and ensure a more inclusive society.