By Joy Baba-Yesufu
Nigeria joined the rest of the world on March 8 to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) with renewed calls for stronger policies, increased investments, and deliberate actions aimed at empowering women and advancing gender equality.
From the Presidency to state governments, legislative chambers and civil society organisations, stakeholders used the occasion to highlight both the achievements of Nigerian women and the challenges that continue to hinder their full participation in national development.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” with the campaign slogan “Give to Gain.” The message behind the theme emphasises that societies benefit immensely when women are given access to opportunities, education, healthcare, leadership positions and economic empowerment.
Across Nigeria, activities marking the day ranged from policy statements and empowerment programmes to health campaigns, community outreach initiatives and advocacy for stronger legal protections for women and girls.
Leading the national message was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies that empower women and expand opportunities for them across all sectors of society.
The President described Nigerian women as a vital force in the country’s social and economic life, praising their resilience and contributions to national development.
“Across our homes, farms, markets, offices and the halls of leadership, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate strength, courage and determination that help hold our nation together,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s progress has always been shaped by women who refused to accept limitations placed before them. He noted that women have played crucial roles in the country’s democratic journey as well as in sustaining families, communities and businesses.
Tinubu stressed that the responsibility of government and society is to create conditions where every Nigerian girl can access education and every woman can thrive economically.
“Our duty as a government and as a society is to continue creating the conditions where every Nigerian girl can learn, every woman can thrive economically and every voice can contribute to our national development,” he added.
In a separate message, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, described the empowerment of women as an investment in the nation’s future rather than an act of charity.
She emphasised that providing women with access to education, healthcare, leadership opportunities and justice would strengthen families and communities.
“When we give women access to education, healthcare, economic empowerment, leadership platforms, justice and equity, we gain stronger families, more prosperous communities and a more inclusive nation,” she said.
Her remarks echoed the central message of this year’s campaign that societies must deliberately invest in women if they want sustainable growth and development.
Nigeria’s parliament also used the occasion to restate its commitment to advancing women’s rights and inclusion in governance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid tribute to mothers and women across the country, reflecting on the sacrifices of his late mother whom he credited for shaping his leadership journey.
“I remain ever grateful and appreciative of what our women and mothers go through in raising their children, supporting families and building societies,” he said.
He noted that the National Assembly would continue to support policies aimed at strengthening women’s participation in economic and political processes.
Similarly, the House of Representatives of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legislative reforms that would expand opportunities for women.
According to the House, several constitutional amendment proposals currently before parliament seek to increase the representation of women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
The lawmakers also acknowledged that women still face systemic barriers and structural inequalities that limit their access to leadership and economic opportunities.
State Governments Join the Campaign
Across the states, governors highlighted the importance of empowering women as a strategy for social and economic development.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described women as critical partners in nation-building and assured that his administration would continue implementing policies aimed at expanding women’s access to opportunities and support systems.
Similarly, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo noted that giving women equal access to capital and decision-making roles creates a multiplier effect that benefits families and communities.
He highlighted programmes in Anambra such as youth skill acquisition schemes, financial inclusion initiatives and support for small businesses that target women entrepreneurs.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu stressed that investing in women remains one of the most effective ways to drive societal progress.
“Progress does not happen by chance. It happens when we choose to support women and create real opportunities for women and girls,” he said.
Wives of governors across the country also organised empowerment initiatives and community programmes to commemorate the day.
In Kogi State, the wife of the governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, hosted women groups and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to support women and promote gender equality.
She stressed that educating girls and empowering women with skills and leadership opportunities would ultimately strengthen families and communities.
“When you educate a girl, you raise future leaders. When you give women opportunities, you gain stronger families and a better society,” she said.
In Ebonyi State, the wife of the governor, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, distributed ₦200,000 each to 13 female traders drawn from the state’s local government areas to support their businesses.
The initiative was part of activities aimed at encouraging women’s economic independence and strengthening small-scale enterprises.
Civil Society Raises Concerns
Civil society organisations used the International Women’s Day celebration to highlight ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian women.
The Women’s Aid Collective called for urgent reforms to address systemic barriers in the justice system that affect women seeking legal protection.
Meanwhile, AIDS Healthcare Foundation raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of HIV infections on women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the organisation, women account for more than 60 per cent of new HIV infections in the region, a situation worsened by gender-based violence, poverty and limited access to healthcare services.
Other advocacy groups also drew attention to the plight of women and children in internally displaced persons camps across Northwest Nigeria, where insecurity and conflict have left many families struggling with malnutrition and limited access to healthcare.
Health advocacy also featured prominently in this year’s activities.
In Osun State, the Femi Olutoye Foundation organised a cervical cancer awareness programme to educate women about the importance of early screening and detection.
Health experts at the event warned that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women but can be prevented through early diagnosis and regular medical check-ups.
While the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations highlighted inspiring stories of progress, stakeholders agree that significant challenges remain.
Women still occupy less than five per cent of legislative seats in Nigeria, one of the lowest representation rates globally. Economic inequality, gender-based violence, limited access to credit and social barriers continue to affect millions of women across the country.
Experts say addressing these challenges requires deliberate and sustained action in several areas.
First, governments must prioritise girls’ education, particularly in rural communities where many girls drop out of school due to poverty, early marriage and cultural barriers.
Economic empowerment programmes must be expanded to provide women with access to credit, training and digital tools that enable them to build sustainable businesses.
Political inclusion must be strengthened by implementing reforms that increase women’s representation in legislative and executive positions.
There is a need for stronger enforcement of laws that protect women from violence, discrimination and workplace inequality.
Finally, community leaders, families and institutions must work together to challenge cultural stereotypes that limit women’s potential.
The events marking the 2026 International Women’s Day across Nigeria demonstrated a growing recognition that the empowerment of women is central to national development.
From policy commitments by government leaders to grassroots initiatives by civil society organisations, the message was clear: investing in women benefits the entire society.
As Nigeria moves forward, the challenge will be translating the promises and celebrations of International Women’s Day into concrete policies and measurable progress.
For millions of Nigerian women and girls, the hope is that the calls for rights, justice and action will not end with speeches but will lead to lasting opportunities and a more inclusive future.
