International Women’s Day: Nigerian Women Call for Stronger Gender Equity Across Sectors
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Nigerian women from academia, healthcare, business, and civil society have called for intensified efforts to promote gender equity and empower women across all sectors of society.
The women made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, stressing that while progress has been recorded, more deliberate actions are needed to eliminate persistent barriers limiting women’s opportunities.
Prof. Sade Alade, Director of the Centre for Counselling and Human Development at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, said the annual celebration should go beyond festivities and serve as a moment for reflection on women’s contributions and ongoing challenges.
According to her, women have made significant strides in education, science, and leadership but still face systemic obstacles that require practical solutions.
“International Women’s Day is not just about celebration; it is also about reflection. Women have broken barriers in various fields, yet systemic challenges remain. Gender equity must move beyond slogans and translate into policies and concrete actions,” she said.
Dr. Nike Aina, Principal Assistant Registrar at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), emphasised the need for greater female participation in educational leadership and policymaking.
She noted that education remains a critical tool for empowerment, adding that women should not only benefit from policies but also play key roles in shaping them.
“Women must be involved in decision-making processes that affect schools and communities. Inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable development,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Bola Oduwole, a preacher and gender advocate, said empowering women is both a social and moral responsibility.
She explained that when women are given equal opportunities, they positively impact families, communities, and the wider society.
Dr. Kemi Olugbenga, a public health specialist, highlighted the need for stronger institutional support for women working in science, healthcare, and research.
According to her, despite their contributions to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, women in these fields are often under-recognised and face institutional barriers.
“We must create enabling environments where women scientists and professionals can thrive without bias,” she said.
Entrepreneur Funke Ilori stressed the importance of economic empowerment for women, urging greater access to credit facilities and mentorship for female entrepreneurs.
“When women succeed in business, communities benefit. Supporting women-owned enterprises should be a priority,” she added.
Civil society advocate Kafayat Ibrahim also underscored the importance of political representation, noting that gender equality cannot be achieved without women’s presence at decision-making tables.
“From local councils to national assemblies, women must have a voice in governance,” she said.
Businesswoman Ayo Olapeju echoed similar sentiments, saying that although progress has been made over the years, sustained efforts are required to remove barriers and create more opportunities for women and girls.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly stated his administration’s commitment to advancing gender equality through policies aimed at empowering women and girls under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
