The extremists have shown what frightens them the most: a girl with a book. These powerful words by Malala Yousafzai capture a truth that continues to resonate around the world. Education, empowerment, and the courage of women to challenge oppressive systems remain among the greatest threats to extremism and inequality, but what does this day mean and represent for a Nigerian woman, an African whose rights are shackled in the foundation of traditions and religion?
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, the moment serves not merely as a ceremonial celebration but as a global call to action. It is a day to recognize the achievements of women while confronting the harsh realities they continue to face across societies shaped by deep-seated patriarchal norms, and it is particularly evident for women in Nigeria who are underrepresented in politics and whose voices are missing where they matter the most.
The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early twentieth century, emerging from labor movements in Europe and North America. The earliest recorded observance occurred in New York City on February 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America organized a “Woman’s Day” to advocate for women’s rights and improved working conditions. It has a different interpretation for women around the world.
The idea gained international momentum in 1910 when German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of an annual “Working Women’s Day” during the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The proposal was unanimously adopted by delegates from several countries. These nations have given women their positions in key places, but third-world countries are still enforcing this crude reality on everyday women.
A few years later, Vladimir Lenin officially declared March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1922 to commemorate the vital role women played during the Russian Revolution. The observance gradually spread worldwide and was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1977. In 2026, nothing has changed for African women who are Nigerians in the compartment.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated globally as a moment to reflect on progress, mobilize support for gender equality, and highlight the continuing struggle for women’s rights, but the average Nigerian woman is confined to the kitchen and domestic duties.
Despite decades of advocacy and legal reforms, women across the world continue to face systemic barriers in political participation, education, economic empowerment, and personal safety, but in Nigeria and across Africa, women’s rights and opportunities are still lacking in liberating women.
Traditional cultural norms in many societies still limit women’s decision-making power and restrict their roles in public life. These norms often manifest in political structures where women remain significantly underrepresented in all areas of substance.
In Nigeria, the situation is particularly striking. Women currently hold only 3.9 percent of parliamentary seats, a figure that severely undermines democratic inclusion and limits women’s influence on public policy. The marginalization of women in politics continues despite their immense contributions to the country’s social and economic development.
The risks women face during elections further discourage participation. Female candidates and activists frequently encounter threats, intimidation, and violence during political campaigns, creating a hostile environment that discourages leadership.
Another urgent concern is the persistent rise in gender-based violence. Reports indicate that incidents of rape increased from 29 percent in 2020 to 65 percent in 2022, reflecting a disturbing trend that demands immediate attention.
Cases of violent attacks and femicide are also on the rise. In Nigeria alone, reports recorded 401 femicide-related deaths in 2022, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Such violence often persists because abuse and intimidation are tolerated within certain communities, allowing perpetrators to operate with impunity. For many women, the fear of stigma, retaliation, or lack of legal protection prevents them from reporting abuse.
While women are major contributors to economic development, they often remain excluded from financial resources and leadership opportunities.
In Nigeria’s informal economy, women are key drivers of entrepreneurial activity. They own approximately 41 percent of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Yet despite their economic contributions, more than 94 percent of women lack access to formal credit, limiting their ability to expand businesses and achieve financial independence.
Workplace discrimination also persists, with many women facing wage disparities and limited access to leadership positions. Structural barriers within corporate and public institutions continue to prevent equal opportunities for women.
Additionally, digital spaces have become new arenas for harassment. Women frequently face online intimidation, cyberbullying, and threats. In some regions, broader security challenges such as kidnapping and extortion also disproportionately affect women.
While many countries have enacted laws designed to protect women, enforcement remains inconsistent. In Nigeria, for example, advocates continue to call for the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act across all 36 states.
These laws provide critical frameworks for protecting women and children from abuse, but without consistent enforcement and institutional commitment, their impact remains limited.
Education is another crucial pillar for long-term progress. Prioritizing girls’ education not only empowers individuals but also strengthens economies and promotes inclusive development. Access to quality education enables women to participate fully in civic life and challenge societal barriers.
The 2026 theme for International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” reemphasizes the urgency of turning promises into tangible outcomes. It underlines the need for practical reforms that address the structural inequalities women face in Nigeria.
Advocacy has also emphasized the importance of legislative initiatives such as the Special Seats Bill, which aims to increase women’s representation in governance and ensure their voices are included in national decision-making.
International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration of achievements. It is a rallying point for change. Around the world, women continue to break barriers in politics, business, academia, and social activism despite persistent adversity.
From community leaders to entrepreneurs, educators to activists, women are transforming societies and shaping the future. Yet their progress must be supported by stronger institutions, inclusive policies, and collective commitment.
As the world commemorates this year’s International Women’s Day, the message is clear. The fight for gender equality is far from over. Governments, civil society organizations, and communities must move beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful action.
Recognizing the strength and resilience of Nigerian women, and women everywhere, means ensuring that their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their contributions are valued.
International Women’s Day stands as a reminder that the pursuit of equality, justice, and dignity for all women and girls remains one of the most important human rights struggles of our time.
“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”— Kamala Harris
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”— Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“Other women who are killing it should motivate you, thrill you, challenge you, and inspire you.”— Taylor Swift
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”— Dolly Parton
Until women and girls can live with equal rights, dignity, and opportunity, the promise of democracy and justice in Nigeria, and across the world, will remain incomplete.
Daniel Nduka Okonkwo is a Nigerian investigative journalist, publisher of Profiles International Human Rights Advocate, and policy analyst whose work focuses on governance, institutional accountability, and political power. He is also a human rights activist, human rights advocate, and human rights journalist. His reporting and analysis have appeared in Sahara Reporters, African Defence Forum, Daily Intel Newspapers, Opinion Nigeria, African Angle, and other international media platforms. He writes from Nigeria and can be reached at dan.okonkwo.73@gmail.com.
