The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum (ECWF), on March 9, 2025, called on West African women to seek redress in fight against gender-based violence and discrimination.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, spoke on the sidelines of a street walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerated Action” on Saturday.
Speaking in an interview, Mrs Ibanga stated that the ECOWAS Court serve as a human rights court.
She added that women are encouraged to bring cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for justice.
“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice, she added
She also cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.
“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.
“Today she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.
The celebration aims to advocate for women’s equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life while taking bold steps to achieve their goals and aspirations.
“We’ve come together for gender equality and especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”
“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.
“We have been doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.
“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.
She explained that, the forum has consistently supported women and young school girls through various initiatives.
“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights and at the same time empower them economically.
“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically; that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.
“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.
The Court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, in his words added that women should overcome inferiority complexes and believe in their abilities to achieve anything men can.
Also, Mrs Ami Savage, head of the ECOWAS Court’s administration and human resources, urged the government to make university-level education compulsory for every girl-child.