Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Saturday celebrated the resilience, brilliance, and indispensable contributions of Nigerian women as the World marks the 2025 International Women’s Day.
In his personal message to mark the International Women’s Day, President Tinubu described Nigerian women as the bedrock of the nation, driving progress from homes to farms, boardrooms and communities.
He lamented that 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, too many women still faced barriers that limit their potentials.
“Our administration is committed in our Renewed Hope pledge to dismantle obstacles, expand access to finance, and ensure equitable opportunities in governance, agriculture, and every sector.
“To our mothers, daughters, sisters – your strength fuels Nigeria’s future. Together, we rise!” President Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has called for greater participation of women in politics and inclusive governance, emphasizing the need for gender equality in decision-making processes.
IPAC also congratulated women worldwide and acknowledged their contributions to nation-building while highlighting the challenges they continue to face.
IPAC’s Executive Director, Directorate of Women Affairs and Deputy National Secretary, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, in a statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, themed “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” called for collective action to accelerate gender equality, empowerment, and rights for a more just and prosperous Nigeria.
She said: “The day is set aside to commemorate women’s achievements in building a better society and highlights their challenges. Nigerian women are resilient and have contributed significantly in building a strong, united, progressive democratic nation, yet grossly underrepresented in politics and government.
“Council commends women rights organisations that have been advocating and championing inclusive governance and urges various governments and stakeholders to take action #ForAllWomenAndGirls, unlock gender equality, and address issues of discrimination, harassment, and violence against them.
“This year’s theme calls for immediate action that will grant women equal rights, power, and opportunities for all and ensures no woman is left behind.
“Since the Beijing Declaration in 1995, most governments have paid lip service to gender equality. It is crucial to accelerate action and take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality and empower women and girls to contribute to building a prosperous and just nation.”
IPAC stressed that systemic barriers and biases hindering women’s participation must be addressed to promote grassroots inclusivity in governance.
It urges women to participate in politics, contest various elective positions, and justify the confidence citizens reposed in them.
The council also lauded the ongoing bill in the National Assembly proposing special seats for women, commending the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and other lawmakers for initiating the legislation to enhance female representation in government.
Ibrahim added, “Recognising the importance of inclusivity, Council under the leadership of Yusuf Mamman Dantalle established three Directorates dedicated to women, youth, and people living with disabilities, ensuring that the voices of the underrepresented groups are heard and considered in IPAC.
“Being the first to achieve three elected women in the Council as provided in its Constitution, IPAC is set to pursue inclusivity and good governance for political parties. Together, let’s accelerate action for gender equality, rights, and empowerment for a better Nigeria.”