A group of legal practitioners and women’s rights advocates has called on government authorities to prohibit cultural festivals and practices they describe as discriminatory or degrading to women, arguing that such traditions violate fundamental human rights and undermine efforts to promote gender equality.

The lawyers made the appeal during a public forum focused on cultural practices and women’s rights, where participants examined how certain festivals and rituals in some communities allegedly promote harmful stereotypes or restrict women’s participation in social and cultural life.

According to the legal practitioners, while cultural heritage is an important part of society, traditions that subject women to humiliation, exclusion, or unfair treatment should not be tolerated in a modern democratic state. They noted that the Constitution guarantees equality and dignity for all citizens regardless of gender.

One of the speakers explained that some festivals impose restrictions on women, such as barring them from participating in certain rituals or compelling them to perform acts considered degrading. Such practices, the lawyers argued, contradict both national laws and international conventions that protect women’s rights.

They urged federal and state governments to review cultural festivals across the country and take steps to abolish those that reinforce discrimination against women. They also called on traditional institutions to reform cultural events to ensure they align with contemporary human rights standards.

The legal practitioners further recommended public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives to educate people on the need to balance cultural preservation with respect for gender equality and human dignity.

Women’s rights advocates who attended the event echoed the call, stressing that cultural traditions should evolve in ways that promote respect, inclusion, and fairness for both men and women.

They also encouraged communities to work with legal experts, civil society organisations, and traditional leaders to modify cultural celebrations in ways that celebrate heritage without undermining the rights of women.

The lawyers concluded that protecting women from harmful cultural practices is essential for building a just and inclusive society where all citizens can participate fully in cultural and social life.