ABUJA, March 9 (MENA) - The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has called on West African women to always seek redress at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for gender-based violence and discrimination.

The forum’s President, Frances Ibanga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She spoke on the sidelines of a street walk organized to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action” on Saturday.

According to Ibanga, the ECOWAS court primarily serves as a human rights court, and urged women to bring forward cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for adjudication.

“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice,” she said.

She cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.

“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.

“Today, she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.

On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.

According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps and be encouraged; to achieve whatever they want.

“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”

“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.

“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed. (MENA)

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