From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Stakeholders in Kwara State, have called for urgent and practical steps to promote women’s rights, economic inclusion and workplace protection, warning that Nigeria’s development aspirations may remain unattainable if women continue to face systemic barriers.
The call was made in Ilorin today while marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, where government officials, labour leaders and civil society advocates stressed the need to move beyond policy discussions to concrete actions that will empower women and girls.
Wife of the Kwara State Governor and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, said the annual event should serve as a rallying point for sustained advocacy and measurable progress.
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“The day reminds us not only to celebrate the achievements of women but to renew our collective commitment to advancing their rights, dignity, and opportunities,” she said.
She maintained that investing in women remains a catalyst for national development, noting that the benefits extend beyond individuals to families and the wider economy.
“When we invest in women and girls, we do not lose—we multiply value. We strengthen families, grow economies, and build more inclusive and resilient societies,” Abdulrazaq added.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions through her office and the Ajike People Support Centre, she expressed concern over lingering challenges such as limited access to education, workplace discrimination, economic exclusion and gender-based violence.
“These realities call for more than words; they demand action,” she said, urging stronger collaboration among government institutions, labour unions, civil society organisations and the private sector.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress Women Committee in the state, Comrade Victoria Aghoola, described the theme of the celebration as a reminder of shared responsibility in advancing gender equality.
“No woman advances alone, and no society truly progresses when half of its population is left behind,” she stated.
Aghoola noted that empowering women across all sectors remains critical to inclusive growth, adding that the labour movement is committed to promoting equity and leadership opportunities.
“When women rise, societies rise. When women are empowered, communities prosper,” she said, while also commending the Kwara State Government for increasing women’s participation in public service.
In her contribution, former Director of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Olaide Ajiboye, called for stronger legal frameworks to protect women in workplaces across the country.
“Equal pay for equal work must become a standard practice, not a privilege,” she said.
Ajiboye stressed the need for improved maternity protection and job security, warning that no woman should be forced to choose between career advancement and family responsibilities.
“Women deserve maternity leave, job security and safe working conditions. There must be no room for harassment,” she added.
She also condemned all forms of gender-based violence, urging decisive action to safeguard women and girls.
Participants at the event, which drew labour leaders, government officials and advocacy groups, collectively emphasised the need for sustained reforms and stronger partnerships to ensure women are fully integrated into national development efforts.
Director-General of the Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, called for constitutional amendments to create reserved seats for women, noting their low representation in the National Assembly.
Similarly, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Muritala Olayinka, reiterated the importance of implementing the 35 percent affirmative action policy, describing women’s empowerment as essential to sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, encouraged women to continue breaking barriers and mentoring younger generations to actively contribute to nation-building.
