By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Malawian Vice President, Dr Jane Ansah, has called for a comprehensive and holistic approach to advancing women’s rights across Africa.
Ansah, represented by her daughter, Janet Ansah, made the call in Enugu during the 60th birthday anniversary of renowned human rights advocate, Prof. Joy Ezeilo.
Ansah, delivering a keynote address, emphasised that advancing women’s rights required more than legal frameworks, urging African nations to adopt integrated strategies that address social, economic, institutional, and cultural barriers.
She described Ezeilo as a symbol of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice, noting that her life’s work had significantly contributed to promoting human rights and dignity across local and global platforms.
“Women’s rights are not peripheral but central to sustainable democracy and development,” she said.
The Vice President highlighted Ezeilo’s contributions as a scholar, activist, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur.
Ansah noted that in spite of progress made through constitutional provisions and legal instruments such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act, gender inequality persisted across the continent.
She attributed this to weak enforcement, institutional gaps, and entrenched patriarchal norms.
The Vice President further pointed out that Africa’s legal systems, often shaped by statutory, customary, and religious frameworks, sometimes undermined the realization of gender equality, leaving many women with limited access to justice.
According to her, challenges such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), harmful traditional practices, and economic exclusion are not merely legal concerns but broader development issues requiring coordinated action.
Ansah stressed the importance of economic empowerment, noting that limited access to land, credit, and financial systems continued to hinder women’s participation in economic development, particularly in rural communities.
She also drew attention to emerging challenges, including digital inequality, climate change, and migration, which disproportionately affected women and girls.
On climate change, she noted that women remained highly vulnerable to environmental shocks despite playing key roles in sustaining livelihoods, yet were often excluded from decision-making processes.
Highlighting Ezeilo’s legacy, Ansah said her work demonstrated the importance of bridging law, policy, and practice to achieve meaningful social transformation.
The Vice President commended her efforts in strengthening access to justice, combating GBV and fostering collaboration between institutions and civil society.
She called for strengthened institutions, inclusive policies, and greater investment in education, stressing that achieving gender equality required collective responsibility and sustained commitment across all sectors.
Ansah concluded by urging African governments, institutions, and citizens to move beyond policy declarations to actionable steps that ensure real protection and empowerment for women, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” she said, noting the continent’s growing population and development potential.
“Advancing women’s rights is not only a moral obligation but a governance and development priority.”
On his part, Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah hailed Prof. Ezeilo on her birthday anniversary, describing her as a legal scholar and human rights activist, whose life reflects courage and service.
Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that Ezeilo’s work as a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons and her role in founding the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), which provided support and protection for abused women and vulnerable groups, were great achievements.
According to him, “Prof. Ezeilo chose justice over comfort and humanity over silence. Her life is a testament to service and sacrifice.”
Former Minister for Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, in her speech, commended Ezeilo’s exceptional contributions, describing her as a rare personality whose impact transcended borders.
She pointed the significance of celebrating individuals who dedicated their lives to service and social transformation.
According to her, Ezeilo’s life embodies scholarship, activism, and humanity, saying that she had spent years advocating for the vulnerable and using the law as a tool for justice.
“She has become a garment for many — wrapping the poor, the violated, and the voiceless in the warmth of her advocacy,” Ezekwesili noted.
Chairman of the occasion, R.A. Lawal-Rabana (SAN), described Ezeilo as a globally respected scholar whose achievements span the academia, legal practice, and public service.
He said her status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor of law, and Life Bencher reflected intellectual integrity and excellence, adding that her humility remained one of her most admired qualities.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, commended Ezeilo for her outstanding contributions to society, particularly her advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Responding, Ezeilo expressed gratitude to attendees from across the world, describing herself as “joyful and blessed.”
She also presented her autobiography titled ‘Joy Ngozi Ezeilo: From Local to Global, A Woman on a Mission’, which chronicles her journey from early life to global advocacy.
The event was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and the international community.
It also featured book presentation, panel discussions, awards, drama, and cultural performances.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Prof. Ezeilo.
