Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Salutes Women On International Women’s Day

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has joined the global community in celebrating Nigerian women as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, reaffirming the country’s commitment to gender equality and the protection of women’s rights.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry says this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” highlights the urgent need to dismantle persistent barriers, discriminatory laws, harmful social norms and systemic inequalities that hinder women and girls from fully enjoying their rights.

The ministry notes that women and girls make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and continue to play critical roles in economic growth, social cohesion, peacebuilding and sustainable development across the country.

According to the statement, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through national policies and international agreements. These include the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The ministry reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to promoting women’s rights through concrete measures such as strengthening legal frameworks against gender-based violence, expanding access to education and healthcare, improving economic opportunities and encouraging greater participation of women in political and public life.

It adds that Nigeria’s foreign policy, anchored on the 4Ds, Demography, Democracy, Development and Diaspora, continues to support international cooperation aimed at addressing the root causes of inequality and protecting women in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

The ministry also celebrates the achievements of Nigerian women at home and in the diaspora, urging government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and the international community to work together to ensure that every woman and girl enjoys her full rights and opportunities.

PR/UJU Oparaji