Women in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, including those from Rivers State, are raising their voices against systemic marginalisation and injustice, with support from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). On Monday, September 1, during an interactive session in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, women from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States shared their struggles with exclusion and mistreatment by community leaders and oil and gas companies. The event, themed “Strategic Litigation and Women’s Role in Advancing Social Justice in the Niger Delta,” aimed to empower women to address these challenges through legal avenues.
The women highlighted how they are often sidelined from decision-making processes that impact their lives, particularly in oil-producing communities. Many expressed frustration at being silenced, unable to access resources or participate in discussions about environmental and economic issues caused by oil activities. SERAP, in response, committed to following up on their concerns, offering legal support to pursue justice. The organisation conducted a training session titled “Legal Tools for Women in Oil Producing Communities,” equipping participants with knowledge to navigate legal systems and advocate for their rights.
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In Rivers State, where oil production significantly affects local communities, women face unique challenges, including environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods. The training emphasised strategic litigation as a tool to hold accountable those responsible for these injustices, including corporations and local authorities. SERAP’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to address systemic inequalities across Nigeria, where women in resource-rich regions often bear the brunt of exploitation without adequate representation.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG) raised concerns about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, particularly as the 2027 elections approach. This underscores the urgency of empowering marginalised groups to advocate for their rights. SERAP’s work in the Niger Delta, including Rivers State, seeks to bridge this gap by amplifying women’s voices and ensuring their issues are addressed through legal and policy reforms. The organisation’s commitment reflects a growing movement to promote social justice and inclusion for women in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions.
