**WELA Raises the Alarm on Women's Rights, Maternal Health on International Women's Day** As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2026 International Women's Day, the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has sounded the alarm on the need for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and girls. According to WELA, the annual celebration is an opportunity to draw attention to the rights of women and girls, including reproductive, maternal, and mental health rights. In a statement issued by its Founder and Chairperson, Funmi Falana, WELA emphasized the importance of recognizing women's rights, pursuing justice, and taking decisive action to ensure that protections for women and girls are effectively implemented. Falana noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of sex, but that this guarantee is often not respected. WELA's call to action comes at a time when women in Nigeria continue to face numerous challenges, including violence, abuse, discrimination, and economic marginalization. The organization highlighted the alarming statistics that show women possess only about 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men, and warned that at the current pace, it could take nearly three centuries to close the gap. WELA also urged the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of its free Caesarean Section programme, which aims to improve maternal health in the country. The organization noted that while awareness of women's rights is important, concrete steps must be taken to ensure accountability and enforcement. As Nigeria marks International Women's Day, WELA's call to action serves as a reminder of the need for urgent attention to the rights of women and girls in the country. The organization's emphasis on justice, accountability, and enforcement is a timely reminder of the importance of respect for women's rights in our society. In Naija, where women continue to face numerous challenges, WELA's message is a clarion call to action. As we join the rest of the world to celebrate the contributions of women, we must also acknowledge the work that remains to be done to ensure that women's rights are respected and protected.