Bonny LGA Bags United Nations Recognition for Advancing Access to Justice for Women, Girls.

Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, was recognised at the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women as an example of how local governance can strengthen justice pathways for women and girls.

This recognition was highlighted during a virtual side event hosted by the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention, themed “Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls in Nigeria.”

Speaking as a panellist, Irene Pepple, of the Willie-Pepple Chieftaincy House of Grand Bonny Kingdom, noted that Bonny LGA has demonstrated commitment through initiatives that promote the dignity and inclusion of women.

She further explained that the Local Government is taking steps toward establishing a gender desk, which, when operational, will serve as an early reporting point and a referral mechanism for cases requiring institutional response.

During the session, she also shared insights on legislative progress and practical lessons from Rivers State, highlighting how legal reforms and sustained advocacy are shaping improved access to justice for women and girls.

The 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 70) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 9 to 19 March 2026.

The session brought together representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organisations from across the world.

The priority theme for this year focused on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.

This recognition underscores the important role of local governance in complementing national and state-level reforms and reinforces the value of coordinated efforts across law, policy, and institutions in advancing protection and accountability for women and girls.

Not only is the Vice Chairman of the Local Government a woman, Ibinyefagha Alabere appears to be the most visible and empowered Vice Chairman in the State.

Aside her, almost 40% of appointments by the current administration are held by women.

This gender-sensitive policy disposition is aptly evinced across the government spectrum and even the slBonny society.