The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), has joined forces with the Naval Officers' Wives Association (NOWA) to commemorate International Women's Day (IWD) and advocate for the economic empowerment of women across Nigeria.
The event focused on raising awareness and fostering discussions around the challenges faced by women in the workforce, while also promoting strategies for enhancing their economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mrs. Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, stressed the need for a focus on women empowerment.
She said that by focusing on women empowerment, you have enabled women to become self-reliant and independent, contributing significantly to the economic growth and development of our nation.
Sanwo-Olu’s spoke as a special guest speaker at the International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 celebrations which UNAN organised in collaboration with NOWA, on Friday at Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
She said, "By focusing on empowerment, you have enabled women to become self-reliant and independent, contributing significantly to the economic growth and development of our nation.
She reminded Nigerians that women play crucial role in modern society, serving as pillars of strength in their homes and communities noting that whatever initiatives women adopt must create enabling environments that enhance their entrepreneurs’ access to finance and digital technologies.
"We must encourage women’s active participation in leadership and decision-making, paving the way for transformative leadership. By strengthening women’s capabilities and expanding their access to resources, we bring leadership opportunities within reach for many more women.
"Furthermore, it is essential to design and implement evidence-based, gender-sensitive policies and programs using policy-data integration tools.
"This will help us realize our collective vision of leaving no one behind while pushing boundaries for our women and girls."
Commenting, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, President of UNAN noted that the collaboration with NOWA and others was to drive positive change and support the advancement of women in various sectors, according to .
Olutimo canvassed for a Nigerian society that guarantees inclusiveness and gender equality for all, especially for women.
The UNAN President stated that the IWD event centered on 'Accelerate Action,' a global initiative aimed at recognising tactics, materials, and initiatives that contribute to women's progress and encouraging their use.
According to him, numerous obstacles still hinder gender equality, but with the right steps and support, women everywhere can advance. Supporting advocates is one of the most crucial ways to help accelerate the movement for gender equality.
"If the current trend continues and nothing is done to address gender disparity, then there's a problem."
The World Economic Forum has warned that true gender parity will not be achieved until 2158, or almost five generations from now, if the current trend persists.
"This therefore calls for greater vigor and urgency in addressing the structural prejudices and barriers that women face in both personal and professional spheres."
"The initiative aims to inspire a movement, intensify our efforts, and ensure we achieve our goals with the urgency and focus they deserve."
"We are in a historic moment where the pressing nature of our goals requires us to abandon gradual progress and enter a new era of rapid action," he added.
The UNAN President noted that the event served as a rallying cry, a venue for collaboration, and a space to generate innovative ideas to advance women.
He added, "Our goals are to identify obstacles to progress, share best practices, and establish collaborations that will maximize the potential for swift and sustainable change."
"Our belief in the power of collective action is why we are all here. By combining our diverse skills and areas of expertise, we can work together to achieve our common objectives."
"Understanding what works and doing more of it, more quickly, is one of the best ways to promote gender equality," Olutimo added.
Similarly, Mrs. Abisola Akinsete, Chair of the Organizing Committee for International Women’s Day (IWD), stated that advancing women in society requires a collective effort in which men play an active and supportive role.
"True gender equality is not about competition but collaboration, where men in leadership use their influence to create opportunities for women."
"Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State exemplifies this through policies that promote women's empowerment, economic inclusion, and equality."
"By embodying a HE/SHE approach in governance and ensuring female representation in his cabinet and agencies, he has set an example for other leaders to follow," Akinsete said.
On her part, Dr. Mrs. Ijeoma Nweke, Vice President of UNAN, explained 'Accelerating Actions' as fast-tracking initiatives that will dismantle barriers against women and close the gender gap.
Nweke stated, "It begins with you and me, extending to communities, private sectors, NGOs, and ultimately the government in our various ways."
"Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights. When we invest in women, we accelerate development. Women are the architects of tomorrow," she added.
