My Reflections on the NGO/CSW Meeting on Women's Access to Justice

 
By Florence Shadrack

Before attending the Non-Governmental Organization Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW/NY) June Monthly Meeting on Women's Access to Justice: Youth Leaders in Action, I viewed access to justice mainly through the lens of laws and policies. However, as I listened to the speakers share their experiences and perspectives, I realized that justice goes far beyond legal systems.

 

Justice is about whether a girl can safely go to school, whether a woman has the financial freedom to make decisions about her life, whether women have a voice in governance, and whether vulnerable communities are protected from the effects of climate change.

What struck me most throughout the meeting was that although the speakers came from different countries and backgrounds, many of the challenges they described felt familiar. Their stories reminded me that the struggle for women's rights is a global challenge that is also deeply relevant to Nigeria.

One of the most impactful presentations was delivered by Adiva Tai, a 22-year-old English teacher, volunteer educator, and Project Coordinator at Victoria Augustine. As she spoke about the barriers preventing girls from accessing education in Afghanistan, I found myself reflecting on the realities faced by many girls in Nigeria. While the circumstances may differ, the consequences are often similar. Across parts of Nigeria, poverty, insecurity, and child marriage continue to rob girls of opportunities that should be their basic right. Her presentation reminded me that every girl denied an education represents not just a personal loss but a loss to society as a whole.

The session on democratic justice by Cecile Roth, who works at the intersection of public policy, international relations, and feminist movement-building, challenged me to think critically about women's representation in leadership. Listening to her, I could not help but reflect on how often women in Nigeria are encouraged to participate in society but are still underrepresented in positions of power. If women are excluded from decision-making spaces, how can policies truly reflect their needs and experiences? Her presentation reinforced the importance of creating pathways that enable women and young girls to see leadership not as an exception but as a possibility.

Equally powerful was the presentation by Lorine Amida Muganda, a Kenyan advocate for women's empowerment, economic justice, and human rights. Her statement that rights only become meaningful when supported by economic power stayed with me long after the session ended. It made me think about women who know their rights yet remain unable to exercise them because of financial dependence. In Nigeria, countless women work tirelessly to support their families, yet many continue to face barriers to economic opportunities. Her presentation made me realize that empowerment is not just about awareness—it is also about access to resources, opportunities, and independence.

The discussion on climate justice by Amanda Royo Cabzas, a public relations specialist, project manager, and President of the Costa Rica Youth Climate Network, opened my eyes to the connection between environmental challenges and gender inequality. As she spoke, I thought about the devastating floods that have displaced communities across Nigeria and the increasing food insecurity affecting vulnerable families. In many of these situations, women bear the greatest burden. This reminded me that climate justice is an environmental issue and also a human rights issue that directly affects the lives of women and girls.

Beyond the topics discussed, the meeting left me inspired by the determination and courage of the youth leaders themselves. They demonstrated that age is not a barrier to leadership and that meaningful change often begins with individuals who are willing to speak up and take action. Their stories challenged me to consider how I can contribute to positive change within my own community rather than waiting for others to act.

As a young Nigerian and an intern at Shades of Us, I left the meeting with a deeper understanding of the many dimensions of justice. More importantly, I left with a renewed sense of responsibility. The conversations reminded me that advocating for girls' education, women's economic empowerment, political inclusion, and climate justice is not solely the responsibility of governments or organizations—it is a responsibility shared by all of us.

Overall, this meeting was not just informative; it was transformative. It challenged me to look beyond statistics and policies and to see the real people behind these issues. It reminded me that justice is not something that can be achieved through words alone. It requires action, commitment, and the collective effort of individuals who are willing to stand up for equality and human dignity. Most importantly, it reaffirmed my belief that young people have both the power and the responsibility to drive meaningful change in society.