On March 8, 2025, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Oyo State commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration that honors the achievements of women and advocates for gender equality. The event, held in Oyo, was not just a celebration of the progress made towards empowering women but also served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for greater efforts to achieve gender equality across all sectors of society.
The Chairperson of Oyo NAWOJ, Mrs. Omolola Alamu, addressed the gathering and emphasized this year’s theme for International Women’s Day: “Accelerate Actions for a Gender-Equal World.” Mrs. Alamu acknowledged that while progress has been made, much remains to be done to ensure that gender equality becomes a reality for women and girls, not only in Nigeria but around the world. According to Mrs. Alamu, this theme was not merely a slogan but a call to action for everyone to work towards a more equal world.
“We have made strides, but we must continue to challenge ourselves and the systems that perpetuate inequality,” said Mrs. Alamu in her speech. She noted that International Women’s Day should be a time for reflection, but also a moment to reaffirm the collective commitment needed to continue fighting for gender equality. She urged everyone to look beyond celebrations and think of concrete actions that could be taken to address gender disparities.
Highlighting the challenges women still face, Mrs. Alamu stressed that the struggle for gender equality was not just a women’s issue but a societal one. “Gender equality is not a one-dimensional issue—it is a societal issue,” she said. She called on all members of society, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and individuals, to work together in driving lasting change that will benefit both women and men in the long term.
Mrs. Alamu also stressed the importance of engaging in concrete actions that would improve the lives of women and girls. She pointed out that policy changes alone would not be enough to foster true gender equality. “We need to ensure that women have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These are the foundations upon which gender equality must be built,” she said, urging stakeholders to prioritize these areas in their efforts to empower women.
In her address, Mrs. Alamu also called on both government and private sector leaders to invest in programs that promote women’s education, health, and economic independence. She emphasized that such investments are critical in leveling the playing field for women, ensuring they have the same opportunities to succeed and contribute to society as their male counterparts. The focus, she said, should be on long-term, sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes.
As the celebration continued, Mrs. Alamu reinforced the idea that International Women’s Day is not just about acknowledging the achievements of women, but about renewing the collective resolve to push for further advancements. “Each one of us has a role to play. We can no longer afford to be