As the world celebrates the 2026 International Women’s Day IWD, a non governmental Organisation in Nigeria has called for a conscious step to close the gap of gender inequality in global and the nation’s polity.
The Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International, Mrs Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, made the call in her message to mark the day in Nigeria.
She identified what she called key obstacles, including weak implementation of gender quotas, entrenched cultural barriers, and limited access to financial resources that have continued to restrict women’s opportunities and voices.
“The latest United Nations gender equality report underscores a stark reality: at the current pace of progress, the global gender equality gap will not be closed for another 100 years.
“This sobering projection is not due to a lack of awareness, but a consistent failure in translating policy commitments into meaningful, measurable action,” the Executive Director said.
According to her, this year’s observance comes at a critical moment, as the world continues to grapple with deep and persistent inequalities that hold back half of humanity from full participation in decision‑making and leadership.
“Here in Nigeria, these global trends are reflected in our own political and governance landscape.
Despite the tireless work of women leaders and gender champions across the country, women remain significantly underrepresented in elected offices and decision‑making positions.
“This deficit is not just a numerical shortfall; it is a loss of diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and inclusive governance that can uplift entire communities and strengthen our democracy.
“At Gender Strategy Advancement International, we believe that true equality cannot wait. Closing the representation gap requires bold, immediate action, not gradual promises.
“That is why we continue to stand firmly behind the Reserved Seats for Women Bill – a transformative legislative measure designed to increase women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislatures and ensure that women’s voices are meaningfully included in the decisions that shape our nation’s future,” she stated.
Mrs Sydney-Jack, while acknowledging the efforts of many Nigerian leaders who have advocated for gender equality and social justice, stated that words must now be matched with decisions that reflect the urgency of the moment.
She said that the time has come to move beyond rhetoric and enshrine meaningful gender inclusion into law and practice.
“Today, we call on all key stakeholders to act with resolve: to the National Assembly, expedite the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill without further delay, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and democratic representation.
“To political parties — adopt, implement, and enforce internal gender quotas and support women candidates with resources, training, and fair access to party structures.
“To the Executive champion and implement gender‑responsive policies that remove structural barriers, expand financial inclusion, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms for existing gender equality provisions.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that equality is not a distant goal; it is an urgent mandate.
“Nigeria’s future depends on the active participation of women at every level of leadership and decision‑making.”
She expressed the optimism that together, the gap can be closed if all the players choose action over delay, inclusion over exclusion, and justice over inertia.
“On International Women’s Day, we join the global community to honour the immeasurable contributions of women and girls in every sphere of life, social, economic, cultural, and political,” she said.