As Nigeria joins the world in marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs. Edna Azura, has emphasized the urgent need for sustainable gender equity and economic empowerment to drive national development.
Speaking at a symposium in Abuja, Azura highlighted the importance of long-term systemic change in ensuring that women and girls have access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles. The event aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “Accelerate Action”. It reinforces the call for practical steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Azura acknowledged Nigeria’s policy commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights. However, she noted that the gap between policy and implementation remains a major challenge.
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“While Nigeria has made commitments on paper, the reality is that many women still face limited access to education, economic exclusion, unpaid care burdens, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in leadership,” she stated.
To achieve sustainable social and economic progress, Azura called for collaborative efforts involving government, civil society, and the private sector to implement gender-focused policies effectively.
Speaking on the symposium’s sub-theme, “The Future is Now: Empowering Women and Youths to Thrive,” Azura stressed the importance of sustainable economic empowerment programs that equip women and young people with skills for long-term success.
She announced that NCWS will provide financial support to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth. This initiative aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering financial independence and reducing economic inequality.
Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice-President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D, further underscored the sustainability of political inclusion, advocating for the “Her Seat in Parliament” campaign.
“We are advocating for policies that guarantee women a place at the table, not just for today but for future generations,” Ogbeche said.
Dr. Nafisa Shehu-Muhammed, President of the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), reiterated the need for continuous advocacy to achieve gender equality, emphasizing the intergenerational impact of inclusive policies.
The event’s high point was the empowerment of selected petty traders across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reinforcing the economic inclusion of grassroots women. By investing in women at the micro-enterprise level, stakeholders are ensuring a self-sustaining model of growth that empowers families and communities.
Beyond International Women’s Day, Azura stressed the need for year-round action to dismantle gender-based barriers and build a sustainable future where women and girls have equal access to opportunities.
By accelerating action on gender equality, Nigeria can create a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society where no one is left behind.
