by Mercy Peter
The 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, protecting women’s rights, and promoting their full participation in national and global development.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the commemoration provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Nigerian women while renewing calls for stronger actions to eliminate barriers that continue to hinder their progress.
The 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” promoted by the United Nations and UN Women, highlights the need for urgent global action to dismantle discriminatory laws, harmful social norms, inadequate legal protections, and systemic inequalities that prevent women and girls from fully enjoying their rights.
According to the ministry, women and girls constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population and play vital roles in driving economic growth, strengthening social cohesion, promoting peacebuilding, and advancing sustainable development.
The statement noted that across communities from rural farms and markets to boardrooms, diplomatic corridors and homes—Nigerian women continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, creativity, and leadership.
The ministry emphasized that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, empower women, and safeguard their rights in line with both national priorities and international obligations.
It added that Nigeria’s efforts are guided by several regional and global frameworks, including 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—particularly Goal 5 on gender equality—the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The ministry stressed that Nigeria will continue to advocate for greater representation of women in decision-making positions, the elimination of gender-based violence, and equal access to justice, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation.
It further stated that Nigeria’s foreign policy, anchored on the 4Ds—Demography, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora, also prioritizes gender inclusion by promoting multilateral cooperation to address inequality and support women in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities worldwide.
“Through our diplomatic engagements and international partnerships, Nigeria remains dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of women globally while strengthening policies and legal frameworks at home,” the ministry said.
The ministry commended the achievements of Nigerian women both within the country and in the diaspora, while calling for collective action from government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, and international partners.
The statement urged stakeholders to work together to ensure that every woman and girl enjoys equal rights, receives justice without discrimination, and thrives in dignity and equality.
“Let us renew our resolve to transform commitments into concrete progress for women and girls everywhere,” the ministry added while extending warm wishes to Nigerian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.
