Women groups have called for increased participation of women in politics and decision-making positions across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen inclusive governance.
The call was made during the just-concluded International Women’s Day Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) in collaboration with the WCCI Emerging Market Hub in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Evelyn Onyilo, former National President of NAWOJ and Publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine, said March is globally recognised as International Women’s Month.
According to her, the celebration highlights the importance of empowering women and promoting gender equality.
“March is International Women’s Month, and the 8th of March is International Women’s Day. Women’s groups across the world celebrate the entire month to recognise the contributions of women,” she said.
She explained that the event was organised by women’s rights advocate Zainab Mohamed and brought together gender advocates to discuss the theme of this year’s celebration.
“The theme ‘Give to Gain’ means that we must contribute positively to women’s development to enable women to make progress,” Onyilo said.
She stressed that both men and women must work together to promote women’s empowerment and ensure sustainable development.
“Without the contributions of women, society cannot achieve sustainable development. That is why we must continue to support women and girls,” she said.
Onyilo who is also the President of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa, INWOAD called for increased government attention to women-centred issues, including maternal health and gender equality.
“A woman should not die while trying to give life. Unfortunately, Nigeria still records high maternal mortality rates, and this is an issue that must be addressed urgently,” she said.
She noted that women continue to play critical roles in governance, community development, and nation-building.
According to her, the contributions of women across various sectors highlight the need for inclusive policies that empower them to thrive and participate meaningfully in political and economic decision-making.
“This year’s celebration reminds us of the strength and contributions of Nigerian women who continue to make significant impact in governance and community development,” she said.
She urged governments to allocate more resources to women-focused programmes and ministries responsible for gender development.
Similarly, MD/CEO of Dominion Mothers Group, Kemi Josephine Elebute-Halle, a former gubernatorial candidate in the Ekiti State 2022 elections, commended Nigerian women for their resilience, intellect, and dedication to national development.
Elebute-Halle explained that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” emphasises the importance of investing in women through mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities to foster societal growth.
“I have just been inducted as the Female Project Manager of the Year 2026 by the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. I am very happy and highly honoured to have been selected,” she said.
“We intend to move the female voice forward, especially in the areas of rights, justice, and action. I assure you that when we give, we gain, according to the theme of International Women’s Day 2026.”
She further stated that she has consistently supported individuals and communities through mentorship and empowerment initiatives.
“I have always been a natural giver. I have impacted the lives of women, single parents, single mothers, and even single fathers. I have helped many people go through school, and some are still in school today. Giving is a gift from God,” she added.
Elebute-Halle also commended the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his contributions to nation-building and empowerment initiatives have positively impacted many Nigerians.
“Tinubu has invested in people. Many Nigerians across different states can testify to how he has impacted their lives in one way or another,” she said.
She urged women to better understand their priorities and focus on long-term empowerment rather than immediate needs.
“Women should learn to differentiate between their wants and their needs. When you clearly identify your needs, there will always be someone ready to support you in that direction,” she said.
“I want to encourage women during this International Women’s Month to speak up and be heard. Women must continue to be voices of change in society.”
Also speaking, the Registrar (Membership) of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria, Hajara Yusuf, said the institute was established to regulate project management practice and ensure that projects in Nigeria are executed to standard.
According to her, the institute was created in 2018 after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill establishing it into law.
She explained that the institute is committed to strengthening professional capacity and promoting inclusivity in project governance.
“Inclusivity, equity, and diversity are key Sustainable Development Goals, and the institute is committed to promoting women’s participation in project governance,” she said.
Yusuf noted that although many women are currently serving as project managers, more inclusion is still required in leadership and governance roles.
“When women lead projects or are included in project teams, the outcomes are often more effective because women are naturally good managers and multitaskers,” she said.
She added that the institute is intensifying advocacy for the certification of women in project management and the implementation of policies that promote women’s participation in governance and leadership roles across sectors.
