“Climate justice is gender justice,” stated the Commonwealth Secretary-General, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and gender issues as International Women’s Day 2026 approaches.

This year, the global theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain’, reflecting the necessity of mutual support and empowerment among women and girls worldwide. The day, commemorated annually on March 8, has been celebrated since 1911, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.

In Nigeria, where only 21 women serve in the National Assembly—comprising 4 senators and 17 members of the House of Representatives—the call for increased representation is more urgent than ever. Currently, only 48 out of 991 state lawmakers in Nigeria are women, underscoring the significant gender disparity in political representation.

The Special Seats Bill in Nigeria aims to reserve additional seats exclusively for women in the National and State Assemblies, a move supported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC). “In political and decision-making spaces, inclusive governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women,” remarked Tony Ojukwu, further reinforcing the need for gender equity in leadership roles.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu added, “Empowerment is most powerful when it is transferred,” highlighting the importance of sharing resources and opportunities to uplift women collectively.

With a population of 104 million women in Nigeria, the push for gender equality is critical. Currently, women hold only 64% of the legal rights compared to men worldwide, indicating a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

As the global community prepares to observe International Women’s Day 2026, the focus remains on transformative changes in governance, legal frameworks, and institutional practices. Auwal ‘Rafsanjani’ Musa stated, “Transformative changes in governance, legal frameworks, and institutional practices are necessary to accelerate the development of women and girls in Nigeria.”

In the lead-up to this significant day, the Helpline Social Support Initiative will launch a 30-day Mentorship Circle aimed at empowering women through guidance and support.

The ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and representation in Nigeria has gained momentum since 2025, with various organizations and leaders calling for immediate action. As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, the expectation is that these discussions will lead to concrete actions and policy changes that will benefit women and girls across the globe.

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