**International Women’s Day: NHRC, CISLAC urge more women representation in governance and politics** Today marks International Women's Day, a day set aside to celebrate the achievements of women and girls across the world. However, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) are using this occasion to sound a warning: Nigeria still has a long way to go in terms of women's representation in leadership and governance positions. According to the NHRC, the country's low level of women's participation in decision-making spaces is a major obstacle to achieving inclusive governance. This is particularly concerning given the country's large and vibrant female population. Despite having over 104 million women, women's presence in governance is woefully underrepresented, with only 21 women serving in the National Assembly and a mere 48 out of 991 state lawmakers being women. CISLAC and NHRC are urging Nigerians to take concrete actions to address this imbalance. They are calling for the implementation of laws and policies that protect women and girls, provide access to justice, and promote their rights. As the NHRC's Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, noted, investing in women is not only a constitutional imperative but also a key driver of sustainable development. It is a key way to create a stronger and more equitable society for all. The clamour for more women's representation in politics has been ongoing, with the Special Seats Bill being one of the proposals to reserve additional seats exclusively for women in the National and State Assemblies. However, despite this push, progress has been slow. Mr. Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria must move beyond discussions and aim at sustainable actions to promote women's rights and empowerment. He also highlighted the theme of this year's International Women's Day, "Give to Gain," which suggests that investing in women would yield numerous benefits for the country as a whole. The NHRC remains committed to promoting the rights of women and girls across the country, and CISLAC hopes that this call to action will resonate with Nigerians, particularly those in positions of power, to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Nigeria.