By Chioma James
The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) has called for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making positions as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The organisation made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its President and Founder, Evelyn Hauwa Onyilo, to commemorate the global celebration of women.
According to Onyilo, this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of reciprocity, collective support and shared responsibility in advancing gender equality and sustainable development.
She urged individuals, governments and organisations to contribute meaningfully to the empowerment of women by creating opportunities through donations, skills acquisition programmes, training initiatives, advocacy and intergenerational mentorship.
The INWOAD President also called on major stakeholders and partners to intensify efforts in upholding women’s rights and improving access to justice, particularly in cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Onyilo noted that many women and girls continue to face injustice, while perpetrators of such violence often escape accountability.
She further expressed concern over the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing the continued exclusion of women from governance and elective positions as unacceptable and inconsistent with democratic ideals.
The INWOAD founder therefore urged the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill currently before it, noting that the legislation would help bridge the gender gap in political representation.
She also called on governments at all levels to appoint more women into leadership positions, stressing that justice, equity and fairness remain fundamental principles of genuine democracy.
“The current situation where less than five percent of women are in the National Assembly is grossly inadequate and unacceptable for a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa,” she said.
While congratulating women on the occasion of the 2026 International Women’s Day, Onyilo encouraged women to continue supporting one another, especially as the 2027 general elections approach, to ensure that more women are nominated and elected into positions of authority.