IWD 2026: MRA Calls for Gender-Responsive Information Systems to Empower Women
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on Federal and State Governments in Nigeria to address barriers within the country’s information ecosystem that limit women’s access to information.
The organisation stressed that meaningful progress for Nigerian women cannot be achieved if access to public information remains restricted by bureaucratic secrecy and structural barriers.
In a statement issued in Lagos to mark the global celebration, Ms. Ayomide Eweje, Programme Officer at MRA, emphasized that access to information is essential for women’s empowerment and participation in society.
“Access to information is not just a legal right but serves as a critical tool for survival, empowerment and equality for women as it enables them to make informed decisions, exercise and claim their rights, and participate fully in social, economic, and political life.”
Why Access to Information Matters for Women
According to Ms. Eweje, access to information plays a significant role in improving the socio-economic status of women.
She explained that digital information and access to online platforms allow women to explore opportunities for entrepreneurship, financial growth, and professional networking.
Access to relevant financial information can help women secure credit for small businesses and effectively manage economic resources.
Information networks can also help bridge the gap for rural women, who often face limited infrastructure and reduced access to knowledge and economic opportunities.
The Role of Information in Women’s Health
Beyond economic empowerment, information is also crucial for women’s health and wellbeing.
Ms. Eweje noted that when women have access to reliable information, they can make informed decisions about their bodies and health.
Access to comprehensive reproductive health information can help ensure safer childbirth and reduce maternal mortality rates.
Awareness of modern family planning methods can also help prevent unsafe abortions and reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Information and Women’s Participation in Democracy
Access to information is equally important for women’s participation in democratic governance.
Without reliable access to public information, women may struggle to engage in debates about social and economic development, demand accountability from public institutions, or make informed decisions during elections.
Information empowers women to participate actively in governance and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Digital Information and Protection from Abuse
The MRA also highlighted the importance of access to information for survivors of abuse and gender-based violence.
According to Ms. Eweje, information helps survivors understand how to report crimes, access post-rape care, and obtain legal support.
However, she expressed concern that the digital environment is becoming increasingly hostile to women.
“From technology-facilitated gender-based violence to the coordinated mobbing of female journalists and civil society activists online and in other digital spaces, the digital world is increasingly being weaponized to silence female voices.”
She warned that such attacks often discourage women from participating in online conversations, thereby limiting their access to important information and their ability to hold governments accountable.
MRA Calls for Government Action
Despite the importance of information access, MRA noted that many Nigerian women still face significant barriers.
The organisation therefore urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and State Governments to adopt deliberate measures to ensure women can fully exercise their information rights.
Among its key recommendations is the collection and proactive disclosure of gender-disaggregated data by public institutions.
Such data would reflect the unique experiences and needs of women, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
Protecting Women in the Digital Space
MRA also called on government agencies and security institutions to safeguard what it described as the “digital frontline.”
The organisation urged authorities to prosecute individuals who use digital platforms to harass or silence women. It also recommended that the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended) should be applied to protect citizens rather than suppress legitimate expression.
Towards an Open and Inclusive Society
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights and transparency, MRA stated that it will continue to advocate for an open society where women can freely access information.
According to the organisation, every Nigerian woman deserves the right to know, speak, and lead without fear of harassment or barriers created by secrecy.
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