Nigeria is mobilising a broad and inclusive national delegation for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) as government leaders, advocates and stakeholders rally around global calls for gender justice, equity and opportunity.
Nigeria’s Team Lead to the session and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says the country is entering a defining moment in advancing women’s rights and opportunities.
“Nations rise when vision meets action, when leadership chooses discipline over delay, and when policy translates into protection and opportunity. Nigeria stands at such a pivotal moment where intention, preparation, and structure are aligning to advance the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women, families, and vulnerable groups. It is Women O’Clock,” she said.
Marking International Women’s Day 2026, stakeholders across government, civil society and development institutions echo the global theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls” alongside the campaign slogan “Give to Gain.”
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, celebrates the enduring impact of women on society.
“Women are celebrated not just for being women, but for their profound impact on humanity,” she said, wishing women of purpose and passion an inspiring International Women’s Day.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, highlights the collective strength of women, noting that the “Give to Gain” campaign slogan underscores shared progress.
“When we invest in women, we create opportunities, build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Abiodun Essiet, called for greater recognition of women’s contributions to the economy.
“Holistic development cannot happen when women are not included in it… Our recognition of what we’re offering to this space makes development inclusive.”
The Executive Director, Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, urges faster action on women’s advancement.
“Let us move beyond conversations to deliberate action. Let us accelerate mentorship, accelerate inclusion, accelerate leadership and accelerate opportunities for women everywhere,” she said.
From the development sector, Reverend Father George Ehusani of LuxTerra Foundation reaffirms support for platforms expanding women’s leadership.
“If we give intentionally, consistently, and strategically, we will gain institutions that are more resilient, more innovative, and more just.”
Communications strategist and Founder of She Forum Africa, Inimfon Etuk, emphasises the importance of equity in advancing women’s rights.
“We cannot continue to say we are moving the needle of advancement if we don’t look at access… equitable access to resources, equitable access to opportunities, equitable access to justice,” she said, urging women to invest in their own growth and capacities.
The founder of TOS Foundation Africa and Convener of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Campaign Coalition, Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership and the need to expand pathways for women to lead.
She also urges lawmakers at the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, stressing that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable development and stronger democratic institutions.
“We must remain committed to building a society where women and girls can lead without barriers, contribute without limitation, and thrive without prejudice. Inclusive leadership is not simply a matter of fairness, it is essential for sustainable development, stronger institutions and more responsive governance.” She said.
Regional Portfolio Director for West and Central Africa, Pathfinder International, Amina Aminu Dorayi, emphasises the urgency of translating commitments into action.
“Women across our region are leading bold solutions to the most pressing challenges… It is time to turn commitments into action so every woman and girl can thrive.”
Guest speaker at the Akwa Ibom State International Women’s Day Mega Rally, Mfon Ekpo, describes women’s empowerment as a strategic economic priority.
“Empowering women is not charity, it is strategy, it is economic intelligence,” she said, noting that when women rise together, they change the direction of history.
Founder of Helpline Social Support Initiative, Jumai Ahmadu, emphasises the importance of mentorship in building lasting empowerment.
“Empowerment is most powerful when it is transferred. Charity may solve a moment, but mentorship builds a movement.”
Founder of Women in Media Initiative, Lola Oladimeji, calls for stronger systems to protect women and children.
“This is the time to start effecting meaningful change in our country through strengthening structures that protect the rights of women and children.”
The National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Aisha Ibrahim, calls for stronger representation of women in leadership.
“Despite immense contributions, women remain grossly underrepresented in governance… Let this International Women’s Day ignite a new wave of courage among women.”
Gender and equity advocate Austine Aigbe links Nigeria’s development challenges to the limited presence of women in leadership.
“The pain of our national development as of today is because we have limited women in leadership circle,” he said, urging stronger mobilisation for female candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria prepares for the Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session, stakeholders say coordinated advocacy, policy action and structured mentorship will be key to translating commitments into measurable outcomes for women and girls.
