International Women's Day: Federal Government Honors Nigerian Women, Urges Progress on Equality and Fairness

The Federal Government has joined in the global celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need for robust actions to safeguard the rights of women and girls and eliminate obstacles hindering their progress.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government underscored the significance of this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” in tackling discriminatory laws, social norms, and inequalities that impede women’s full participation in society.

Women and girls constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population, playing pivotal roles in economic growth, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, according to the ministry, which noted that Nigerian women have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, innovation, and leadership in various spheres.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legal frameworks against gender-based violence, expanding access to education and healthcare, and promoting women’s participation in decision-making, as stated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, congratulated Nigerian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, expressing his respect and admiration for their strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions to the nation.

Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, emphasized the legislature’s commitment to pushing for robust investment in women in all aspects of life, particularly in economic and political processes, in line with the theme “Give and Gain”.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, called for greater empowerment of women and girls, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, and emphasizing that empowering women is not an act of charity, but an investment in the collective future of Nigeria.

Ondo State First Lady, Seun Aiyedatiwa, urged women to uplift one another through mentorship, collaboration, and support for younger generations, lending her voice to the call for women’s empowerment.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has declared that the struggle for gender justice in Nigeria has entered a new phase, warning that women’s patience over discrimination and exploitation has reached its limit, according to NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Ajaero stated that the labour movement is mobilizing workers nationwide to push for gender equality, economic empowerment, and stronger protections against violence and discrimination, emphasizing that the days of symbolic celebrations while women face insecurity and poverty are over.

The NLC President called for affirmative action to increase women’s representation in governance, the elimination of the gender pay gap, provision of crèche facilities at workplaces, and stricter enforcement of laws against sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

ActionAid Nigeria has revealed that about 35.65 million Nigerian women have experienced physical violence, while 10.35 million have suffered sexual violence, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, noted that women hold less than four per cent of seats in the National Assembly, stressing the need for the passage of the proposed Special Seats Bill to improve women’s political representation.

Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, WELA, has called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women, emphasizing that equality before the law must translate into real justice, and that without justice, rights remain promises on paper.

WELA also highlighted the Federal Government’s initiative to provide free Caesarean Sections in over 100 hospitals nationwide through the National Health Insurance Authority, describing it as a step toward improving maternal healthcare, but urging effective implementation.

Stakeholders have agreed that while progress has been made, sustained policy actions and societal reforms are necessary to address discrimination, violence, and economic marginalization affecting women and girls across Nigeria.