International Day For African Women, Girls: Ezeilo Calls For Justice, Equality

Posted by Ignatius Okpara Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Friday, July 25th, 2025

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – As Nigeria joins other African nations to mark the 2025 International day of women and girls of African descent, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights crusader, Professor Joy Ezeilo, has stressed the need for society to use the occasion to reflect on the past injustices against women and eliminate all manner of discrimination.

She said that the celebration should also be used to foster positive change to dismantle barriers faced by women and girls of African descent.

Ezeilo, a law professor and Former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Enugu state, in a statement she personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday, said “this day is not only a reflection on past injustices but also an urgent call to eliminate discrimination and foster positive change to dismantle barriers faced by women and girls of African descent”

“The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, observed annually on July 25, honours the resilience and achievements of women and girls of African heritage.

“Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day serves as a call to action for justice, equality, and recognition.

“Women and girls of African descent have historically faced challenges such as systemic racism, gender-based violence, and economic marginalization.

“Despite these obstacles, their contributions enrich societies worldwide, spanning diverse fields from politics to the arts.

According to her, “the time has come to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action to address and remedy through reparations historical injustices, including the impacts of colonialism, transatlantic slavery, sexual exploitation and abuse, and forced family separation suffered by women and girls of African descent”

“Ultimately, July 25 is a day to honour courage and motivate future generations, marking a crucial step toward justice and a world where every woman and girl of African descent can flourish” she concluded.