Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the global community in celebrating Nigerian women as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing gender equality, justice and empowerment for women and girls.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” serves as a strong call to dismantle persistent barriers that hinder the full realisation of women’s rights.
The ministry noted that discriminatory laws, harmful social norms, inadequate legal protections and systemic inequalities continue to limit opportunities for women and girls globally, stressing the need for urgent and collective action.
According to the statement, women and girls make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and play vital roles in driving economic growth, strengthening social cohesion, promoting peacebuilding and supporting sustainable development across communities.
It highlighted the resilience, innovation and leadership of Nigerian women across different sectors—from farms and markets to boardrooms, diplomatic circles and homes—describing their contributions as indispensable to national development.
The ministry also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to gender equality under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Nigeria continues to uphold policies and international commitments aimed at protecting women’s rights.
These include regional and global frameworks such as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 5 on gender equality—as well as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Ebienfa stated that the government will continue to advocate increased representation of women in decision-making, the elimination of gender-based violence, economic inclusion and equal access to justice and opportunities.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign policy, anchored on the pillars of demography, democracy, development and diaspora, promotes gender equality at the international level while supporting women in conflict-affected and vulnerable settings.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Iran Launches Missile Attack on U.S. Air Base in Qatar
IWD: NSSF urges stronger health protection for women
The ministry also called on government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and international partners to work together to translate commitments into tangible progress.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the achievements of Nigerian women and girls at home and in the diaspora while renewing our resolve to ensure that every woman and girl enjoys her full rights, receives justice without discrimination and thrives in dignity and equality,” the statement said.
About The Author
