ABUJA — On International Women’s Day 2026, a prominent Nigerian civic organization has called for an end to the “uneven playing field” that continues to sideline women in the country’s political and economic spheres. The Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO) marked this year’s global theme, “Give to Gain,” by arguing that female empowerment is not merely a matter of goodwill, but a critical “strategic investment” for sustainable national development.
Long Way to Go
In a statement released on Sunday, GRACO’s Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku, highlighted a significant gap between Nigeria’s current progress and globally accepted benchmarks for gender inclusion. Despite the “immense talents” shown by women in shaping Nigerian families and institutions, the group noted that outdated societal structures and systemic norms remain formidable obstacles.”When societies invest in women through education, skills, and access to resources, developmental goals are achieved at a faster pace,” the statement read.
Systemic Hurdles
The organization pointed to several specific factors currently undermining female participation in Nigerian governance, including:
Stalled Legal Reforms: The slow implementation of key legislation, such as the Special Legislative Seats for Women Bill, continues to limit representation at both grassroots and national levels.
The “Monetisation” of Politics: High costs of entry into the political arena often shut out female candidates.
Digital Threats: A rise in tech-facilitated gender-based violence and “gendered disinformation” is increasingly being used to dissuade women from public life.
A Call for Measurable Action
GRACO is calling on the Nigerian government, civil society, and international development partners to move beyond symbolic celebrations and commit to “measurable and sustainable” initiatives. The group argues that inclusive governance systems are inherently more resilient. “When women are empowered to contribute their leadership, institutions become more responsive and development outcomes become more sustainable,” Ajanaku added.
As the 2026 commemorations continue, the message from Abuja is clear: for Nigeria to reach its full potential, the barriers preventing half of its population from leading must be dismantled.
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