Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the global community in celebrating Nigerian women as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of women’s rights.
In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” serves as a strong call for governments and institutions worldwide to dismantle persistent barriers such as discriminatory laws, harmful social norms, and systemic inequalities that hinder women and girls from fully enjoying their rights.
Ebienfa noted that women and girls make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and continue to play vital roles in driving economic growth, strengthening social cohesion, advancing peacebuilding efforts, and promoting sustainable development across the country.
He highlighted the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Nigerian women in various spheres of life, from farms and markets to boardrooms, diplomatic spaces, and homes.
According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, the government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to advancing gender equality through national policies and international obligations.
These include frameworks such as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Ebienfa emphasised that Nigeria will continue to advocate for increased representation of women in decision-making processes, the elimination of gender-based violence, greater economic inclusion, and equal access to justice and opportunities.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign policy, guided by the 4Ds; Demography, Democracy, Development and Diaspora, prioritises the advancement of women’s rights and promotes multilateral cooperation to address inequality and support women in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
The spokesperson also celebrated the achievements of Nigerian women and girls both at home and in the diaspora, while urging governments, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to work collectively to ensure that every woman and girl enjoys her full rights and lives with dignity and equality.