By Abubakar Yunusa
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Whisky Mistress, Adeneki Isi Adeeko, has called for stronger actions to protect the rights, dignity and opportunities of women and girls across Nigeria.
Adeeko made the call on Sunday as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and ensure women’s rights become a lived reality.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls,” she said millions of women, particularly those facing displacement, migration challenges and socio-economic barriers, still struggle for basic protection and justice.
Adeeko noted that women and girls in Nigeria and across the world continue to confront systemic inequalities limiting their access to justice, protection and essential services.
She said the situation is worsened by poverty, lack of legal identity, insecurity and inadequate funding for programmes meant to support vulnerable women.
According to her, women on the move, including migrants and internally displaced persons, remain among the most vulnerable groups in society.
“In Nigeria, thousands of women and girls in conflict-affected communities and displacement camps continue to face multiple layers of hardship,” Adeeko said.
She added that many of them struggle with limited access to justice, protection and basic social services.
The entrepreneur, however, acknowledged that although some progress has been recorded over the years, stronger commitment from governments, private sector leaders, civil society organisations and development partners remains critical.
Adeeko stressed that empowering women must remain a national priority, noting that no society can achieve sustainable development without investing in women and girls.
She identified safe and accessible shelter as one of the most urgent needs for women and girls affected by displacement and insecurity.
According to her, shelter goes beyond providing a roof over one’s head.
“For many women and girls, it represents safety, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” she said.
She warned that lack of safe shelter and supportive community structures exposes women and girls to higher risks of violence, exploitation and social exclusion.
Adeeko therefore urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s humanitarian and development sectors to prioritise safe housing and stronger protection systems for vulnerable women.
She also called on policymakers to strengthen laws protecting women’s rights, improve access to legal identity documentation and expand programmes that provide economic opportunities for women.
Adeeko further highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing women’s empowerment initiatives across the country.
According to her, businesses must create inclusive environments where women can thrive, lead and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
“As entrepreneurs and business leaders, we must continue to champion inclusion, mentorship and opportunities for women and young girls,” she said.
She added that creating supportive spaces for women in business and leadership would help unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s female population.
Adeeko urged Nigerians to see International Women’s Day beyond a symbolic celebration but as a call for collective action.
“This year’s theme reminds us that rights must be protected, justice must be accessible and meaningful action must follow,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, social inclusion and community development across Nigeria.
“As we celebrate women today, we must also commit ourselves to building a society where every woman and girl can live with dignity, opportunity and security,” Adeeko added.