The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling systemic barriers against women and girls as the global community celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.
In a press release (No: MFA/PR/2026/25) signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry highlighted this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” as a critical call to address discriminatory laws and inadequate legal protections.
National Impact and Global Alignment
The Ministry underscored that women and girls constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population, describing them as “indispensable drivers” of economic growth and social cohesion. The statement paid tribute to the resilience of women across the federation—from the markets of Sabagreia and Okitipupa to the boardrooms of major cities.
The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, maintains that gender equality remains a priority. This commitment is anchored in several domestic and international frameworks, including:
- The Maputo Protocol and AU Agenda 2063.
- Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
- The Beijing Declaration and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Foreign Policy Integration
A key highlight of the release was the integration of gender advocacy into Nigeria’s “4D” Foreign Policy (Demography, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora). The Ministry stated that Nigeria continues to champion women’s representation in decision-making and the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV) on the global stage.
The government pledged to continue:
- Strengthening legal frameworks to combat GBV.
- Promoting equal access to healthcare, education, and political participation.
- Advocating for multilateral cooperation to support women in conflict-affected regions.
A Call for Collective Action
The MFA concluded by calling on civil society, the private sector, and international partners to move beyond rhetoric. The Ministry emphasized the need for “urgent, collective action” to ensure that Nigerian women, both at home and in the diaspora, receive justice without discrimination and live in dignity.
