IWD 2026: INWOAD Advocates Greater Inclusion of Women in Governance

IWD 2026: INWOAD Advocates Greater Inclusion of Women in Governance

The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) has joined women and stakeholders across the globe to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, calling for increased inclusion of women in governance and decision-making processes.

This year’s celebration, themed “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of reciprocity, collective support, and investment in women as essential tools for achieving gender equality and sustainable development.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the President and Founder of INWOAD, Evelyn Onyilo, urged individuals, governments, development partners, and organisations to contribute meaningfully toward advancing women’s empowerment. She stressed the need to create more opportunities for women through donations, skills acquisition programmes, capacity building, advocacy, and intergenerational mentorship.

The INWOAD President also called on key stakeholders and partners to intensify support for the protection of women’s rights and improved access to justice, particularly in cases relating to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She lamented that many women and girls continue to suffer injustice while perpetrators often evade accountability.

Evelyn Onyilo further expressed concern over the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political space, noting that the continued exclusion of women from governance and elective positions undermines the principles of fairness, equity, and true democratic ideals.

She therefore urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Special Seats Bill currently before it, describing the legislation as a critical step toward addressing gender imbalance in political representation.

INWOAD also called on governments at all levels to demonstrate commitment to gender inclusion by appointing more qualified women into leadership and decision-making positions, emphasizing that justice, equity, and fairness remain the hallmarks of genuine democracy.

“The current situation where less than five percent of women are represented in the National Assembly is grossly inadequate and unacceptable for a country that prides itself as the Giant of Africa,” she stated.

While congratulating women across the country on the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, Onyilo encouraged women to support and uplift one another, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach, to ensure that more women emerge as candidates and are elected into positions of authority.