BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State chapter, has called on government, institutions and the general public to intensify collective efforts toward advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls.
The association made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, which was jointly signed by its chairperson, Sahura Jibril Maidoki, and secretary, Hadiza Bello Abdullahi.
NAWOJ noted that this year’s celebration with the theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the importance of investing in women through opportunities, mentorship, support and access to resources in order to achieve broader social and economic progress.
According to the association, empowering women ultimately leads to stronger communities, thriving economies and sustainable national development.
It stated that the theme serves as a timely reminder that meaningful progress in gender equality requires deliberate actions from individuals, organisations and governments to support women’s leadership, education, economic inclusion and protection from discrimination and violence.
The association therefore urged policymakers and relevant stakeholders to prioritise gender-responsive policies that would expand women’s access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare and leadership positions.
NAWOJ also stressed the need to strengthen mechanisms that protect women and girls from gender-based violence while promoting their active participation in governance and decision-making processes.
The association further reaffirmed the critical role of the media in promoting gender-sensitive reporting, amplifying the voices and achievements of women, and advocating policies that support the advancement of women and girls across all sectors.
NAWOJ Kaduna also encouraged women to continue supporting one another, building strong networks and actively participating in civic and leadership spaces to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in the state and the country.
The association congratulated women across Kaduna State and Nigeria on the occasion of International Women’s Day and called for renewed commitment to building a more just, inclusive and equitable society.
