IWD 2026: INWOAD Pushes For Women’s Inclusion, Safety and Economic Support In Nigeria
Real progress for women is not measured by speeches alone, but by how much access they have to safety, education, opportunity and decision-making.
That message came through strongly as the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD, used this year’s International Women’s Day to demand practical action for women and girls across Nigeria.
At its virtual general meeting held on 10 March 2026 to mark IWD 2026 under the theme, “Give to Gain,” the group called on government, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and invest deliberately in women’s empowerment, education and protection.
INWOAD President and Founder, Evelyn Onyilo, urged authorities to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action policy in both appointive and elective positions, while also introducing grants and soft loans to strengthen women-owned businesses and boost economic independence.
The organisation also raised concern over sexual and gender-based violence, child marriage, poor access to maternal and reproductive healthcare, and the cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership.
Members proposed practical steps including mentorship schemes, vocational training, support for widows, rural women and out-of-school girls, as well as the distribution of sanitary pads to vulnerable schoolgirls to help reduce dropout rates.
The meeting also saw the inauguration of new executives to deepen the organisation’s impact nationwide, with Lydia Samson named National Coordinator, Jamila Umar as Deputy National Coordinator, and Queen Kunde as National Secretary.
Speaking on behalf of the new leadership team, Samson thanked members for their confidence and pledged to strengthen INWOAD’s programmes through collaboration, empowerment initiatives and active member participation.
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