As countries around the world commemorated the International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, the Women Beyond Boundaries Foundation (WBBF), a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, called for increased justice, protection, and empowerment for women.

The call was made during an advocacy and empowerment event hosted by the Founder of WBBF, Elohor Vivian Tunde-Smooth, which held at the St Andrew’s Event Centre, Warri, Delta State, on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The event, themed “Her Rights. Her Voice. Her Action,” aligns with the United Nations’ IWD 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” which focuses on dismantling structural barriers, ending discriminatory laws, and accelerating progress toward gender equality.

The WBBF initiative brought together key stakeholders across the justice sector, community leaders, and women from diverse backgrounds to deepen awareness of women’s rights and improve access to justice.

Dignitaries in attendance included the keynote speaker and Judge of the Delta State High Court, Hon. Justice Roli Harriman; Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Delta State (Warri Branch), Dr. Ejiro Kore-Okiti (Esq.); Divisional Police Officer, B Division Warri, CSP Josephine Chinwe Ekebuike; Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Okeoghene Rume Bakpa; and Ms. Daniella Folasade, among others.

Aligned with the global call for justice for women, the event was designed as a grassroots-focused intervention aimed at bridging the gap between legal rights and practical access for everyday women.

Speaking at the event, Elohor Vivian Tunde-Smooth, who also serves as a Chief Magistrate in the Delta State Judiciary, emphasized the need to move conversations around women’s rights from theory to practical action. She noted that while legal frameworks exist to protect women, many, particularly at the grassroots level, remain unaware of their rights or lack the support needed to enforce them.

The programme featured a keynote presentation and a panel discussion comprising a Judge, a Magistrate, a Legal Practitioner, and a senior Police Officer, who provided practical insights into legal protection, domestic violence, reporting mechanisms, and the role of institutions in safeguarding women and vulnerable groups.

Discussions focused on equipping women with knowledge, encouraging timely reporting of abuse, and strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement agencies. Panelists also highlighted the importance of documentation, legal awareness, and community support systems in addressing gender-based challenges.

Participants engaged actively, sharing real-life experiences and raising critical questions, reinforcing the need for continuous advocacy and accessible legal education.

The event further underscored WBBF’s commitment to driving impact through community-based interventions, leadership development, and humanitarian outreach, with a focus on supporting women to overcome limiting beliefs, access opportunities, and step into leadership roles.

WBBF also called for stronger collaboration between legal institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community organisations to ensure that women are not only aware of their rights but are also adequately protected.

The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to move beyond conversations and commit to sustained efforts that promote justice, protection, and empowerment for women at all levels of society.

The event also marked the Foundation’s third anniversary, celebrating three years of sustained impact in women’s empowerment and community development.

View photos from the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Xx1khLqpa/

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