By Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the global community in celebrating Nigerian women as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day, reaffirming the country’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry described this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” as a strong call for urgent steps to dismantle persistent barriers, discriminatory laws and harmful social norms that continue to hinder the full realization of women’s rights.
The Ministry noted that women and girls make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and remain vital contributors to economic growth, peacebuilding, social cohesion and sustainable development.
It highlighted the resilience, innovation and leadership of Nigerian women across various sectors, from agriculture and commerce to diplomacy, governance and family life. The statement also reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advancing gender equality through national policies and international frameworks.
According to the Ministry, Nigeria remains guided by regional and global instruments such as the Maputo Protocol, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals; particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
It added that the government continues to advocate increased representation of women in decision-making processes, the elimination of gender-based violence, and expanded economic opportunities for women and girls.
The Ministry stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy, anchored on the four Ds; Demography, Democracy, Development and Diaspora, also promotes multilateral cooperation aimed at addressing the root causes of inequality and supporting women, especially in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
While celebrating the achievements of Nigerian women at home and in the diaspora, the Ministry called for collective efforts by government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and international partners to translate commitments into measurable progress.
“Let us unite in urgent and collective action to ensure that every woman and girl enjoys her full rights, receives justice without discrimination, and thrives in dignity and equality,” the statement said.
