By Helen Okechukwu and Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporters
DEEP-ROOTED gender disparities continue to challenge women’s access to leadership, education, and governance in Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for inclusion and justice during the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, celebrations.
Leaders, activists and policymakers emphasised the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers preventing women from attaining equal opportunities.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, stressed the importance of gender equity in governance, leadership, and education.
Addressing the theme “Accelerate Action,” he commended Nigerian women for their resilience and contributions to societal growth, stressing that national development depends on bridging gender gaps and ensuring an equitable society.
“To all the women making a difference, your resilience inspires us all. Your dreams are valid, your contributions are invaluable, and your success is a victory for us all,” Tambuwal stated, reinforcing the need for inclusive policies and meaningful representation.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Sokoto State, Tambuwal recalled implementing a 35% affirmative action policy in governance to empower women.
He said that his administration prioritised female inclusion, appointing women as commissioners, permanent secretaries, and directors-general across key government sectors.
Additionally, he noted that the establishment of the Agency for Girl-Child Education was aimed at enhancing educational access, promote learning opportunities, and foster sustainable empowerment for young girls.
Calling for increased participation of women in governance, Tambuwal urged citizens to provide essential resources and support, noting that women constitute half of Nigeria’s population and must not be sidelined in decision-making processes.
Similarly, prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, decried the slow pace of gender equality advancements in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Vital Voices Mentorship Walk in Abuja, Yesufu criticised the transformation of International Women’s Day into a symbolic event rather than a catalyst for genuine change.
“International Women’s Day is becoming an empty celebration filled with talk rather than tangible action. The only thing being accelerated is the suppression and injustice faced by women,” she asserted.
Yesufu also stressed that countries with higher female representation in leadership perform better, while those failing to empower women continue to struggle.
This imbalance, she argued, stems from the persistent perception of women as inferior, a notion that must be dismantled for sustainable national progress.
She urged women to take proactive steps in creating their own spaces, asserting their voices, excelling in various fields, and contributing meaningfully to society.
