ABUJA – The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD) marked International Women’s Day 2026 by strongly advocating for increased representation of women in governance and elective positions across Nigeria. The organization joined women and stakeholders in celebrating the day under the theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasizing reciprocity and support in achieving gender equality and sustainable development.
In a statement released in Abuja, Evelyn Onyilo, President and Founder of INWOAD, urged individuals, government, and organizations to contribute to creating more opportunities for women. She highlighted the importance of donations, skills acquisition and training, advocacy, and intergenerational mentorship.
Onyilo also called on major stakeholders and partners to intensify support for upholding women’s rights and ensuring access to justice, particularly concerning Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She stressed that “most often, women and girls suffer injustice while perpetrators of such Violence go scot free.”
Decrying the dismal representation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, Onyilo stated that the exclusion of women in governance and elective positions is “unacceptable and negates the principle of true democratic ideals.” She implored the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill to bridge existing gender gaps in politics.
INWOAD further appealed to all levels of government to appoint more women into positions of governance, viewing this as a step towards justice, equity, and fairness—the cornerstones 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,” Onyilo asserted.
Concluding her message, Evelyn Onyilo congratulated women on International Women’s Day and encouraged them to support one another as the 2027 Elections approach, ensuring that women candidates are nominated and elected into various positions of authority.
