Key developments in women’s rights in Nigeria (August 2025 Edition)

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In August, Nigeria’s gender landscape was marked by significant strides in policy reform and women’s empowerment, but also by disturbing cases of sexual and domestic violence.

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The federal government’s validation of the first-ever menstrual health policy and the launch of a women-focused agricultural programme signalled progress in women’s rights. But with nearly 9,000 cases of domestic and sexual violence recorded in Lagos State alone, the month also highlighted the persisting challenges faced by women and girls.

Here are some of the most important gender-related stories from August.

Silent Struggles: Nigerian women turn to contraceptives to ease menstrual distress

Many Nigerian women have turned to contraceptives to ease menstrual distress. Meanwhile, experts have linked contraceptives for menstrual purposes to the risk of cervical cancer when used for an extended period.

PREMIUM TIMES’s report tells a story of Bolanle Oyebamji, who was tormented by her menstrual cycle—waves of pain from her lower back, down her legs, and through a swollen, throbbing pelvis. For the recent graduate of Ekiti State University, periods were more than a biological occurrence; they were a disruptive force that derailed daily life.

Nigerian govt validates policy on menstrual health, targets stigma-free society by 2030

The Nigerian government has taken a major step toward improving menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls with the validation of its first-ever National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM).

Speaking at the validation meeting, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the policy as a decisive step toward building a Nigeria where menstruation does not limit any woman or girl child.

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The five-year policy framework aims to ensure that every woman and girl in the country can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and hygiene. The policy aims to achieve a stigma-free society by 2030.

Bauchi rapists face prosecution as victims carry the scars

In Bauchi State, two men, Lukman Mohammed and Musa Halilu, are facing prosecution for allegedly raping a 12-year-old boy, Alameen. The suspects were arrested after Alameen’s father reported the case to the police on 16 July.

However, the third suspect, Alkasim, who is said to be attending the police academy, remains at large due to alleged influential connections. A medical report revealed that Alameen’s internal anal sphincter had been dislodged, and he is receiving treatment. The case sparked outrage, with Alameen’s father demanding justice despite societal pressures to stay quiet.

This report highlights the challenges in prosecuting cases of sexual abuse in Bauchi State, where cultural and religious stigma often hinder justice.

Lagos records 8,692 domestic violence cases in one year

Between August 2014 and July 2025, Lagos recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence. The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disclosed this during a recent media parley held in Ikeja to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, observed every September.

He explained that the youngest survivor was an 18-month-old baby while the oldest was 79 years old, stressing that sexual and gender-based violence cut across all age groups.

Man remanded for alleged rape of minor

A 33-year-old barber, Ihechukwu Korie, who allegedly raped a minor, has been remanded in prison by a magistrate’s court based in Anambra.

The 14-year-old victim was sent by her aunt to get a haircut at the defendant’s shop.

According to the prosecutor, “While she was seated, waiting her turn, the defendant finished attending to the customer before her.

“He then stepped outside, looked around briefly, returned to the shop, locked the door and turned up the volume of the music.

“The defendant dragged the victim to a three-in-one seater chair meant for customers, forcefully removed her clothing and had carnal knowledge of her.”

60-year-old man arraigned for ‘rape’

A 60-year-old man, identified as Ajayi Femi, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 24-year-old woman in Lagos.

The septuagenarian in his confessional statement admitted to spiking her drink before having non-consensual sex with her, the police spokesperson in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, said.

FG launches WAVE

The Nigerian government has announced plans to launch the Women’s Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme, an initiative aimed at transitioning women from farmgate operators to agri-preneurs and value creators.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known at the Renewed Hope – Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP) Roundtable Meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the programme is designed to expand women’s participation in agricultural value chains while strengthening food security.