PERSPECTIVE: International Women’s Day: Advancing Women’s Rights Through Collective Action
- By Olufunmilayo Adebomi Ojo, PhD
Every year on March 8, millions of people around the world commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global event dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while renewing the call for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Over the years, the day has evolved into a powerful international movement that brings together governments, civil society organisations, advocacy groups and individuals to reflect on progress made in advancing women’s rights and to highlight the work that still lies ahead.
As the world mark the International Women’s Day in 2026, the occasion once again provides an opportunity not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to reaffirm the collective commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The observance of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century when women in Europe and North America began organising protests and campaigns to demand fair wages, improved working conditions and the right to vote.
These early movements laid the foundation for a broader global struggle for women’s rights. Over the decades, the observance gained increasing international recognition as a symbol of advocacy for gender equality.
In 1975, the United Nations officially began observing International Women’s Day, further elevating its global significance. Since then, the organisation has used the annual event as a platform to mobilise attention around key issues affecting women and girls, including access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and protection from gender-based violence.
Across continents, women have continued to shape societies through leadership, innovation and resilience. From grassroots community organizers to world leaders, women are influencing policies, driving economic growth and strengthening democratic institutions. In many countries, women are increasingly occupying positions once dominated by men, including roles in government, corporate leadership and the media.
Despite these gains, gender inequality remains a major global concern. Many women and girls still face barriers such as unequal access to education, limited economic opportunities, gender-based violence and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces. International Women’s Day therefore serves not only as a celebration but also as a call to action for governments, institutions and individuals to address these challenges.
In Nigeria, women have made significant contributions to national growth and community development. From entrepreneurs building successful businesses to professionals leading innovations in various sectors, Nigerian women are steadily breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.
Female journalists, academics and civil society advocates are also helping to amplify important conversations around accountability, governance and social justice, while inspiring younger generations to pursue leadership roles.
Today, the day is celebrated in many countries through conferences, policy dialogues, media campaigns, public lectures and community initiatives designed to honour women’s achievements and promote gender equality.
The 2026 International Women’s Day observance carries strong messages through two major themes promoted by global organisations and advocacy groups.
The Global IWD campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” encourages individuals, institutions and communities to support women through mentorship, opportunities and access to resources. The concept behind the theme is simple but powerful: when society invests in the growth and success of women, the benefits extend far beyond individuals to families, communities and national development.
Similarly, the United Nations theme for the year, “Rights. Justice. Action. for All Women and Girls,” emphasises the need for concrete steps to ensure that women and girls enjoy equal rights, access to justice and meaningful participation in social, political and economic life.
Together, the themes highlight a shared message that achieving gender equality requires deliberate action, collaboration and sustained commitment from governments, institutions and individuals.
Advocates say the “Give to Gain” theme underscores the importance of practical support for women in different spheres of life. Mentorship programmes for young women, increased access to education, encouragement for female entrepreneurship and the promotion of women in leadership roles are some of the ways societies can drive meaningful change.
The theme also recognises the role of men as allies in the pursuit of gender equality, stressing that lasting transformation can only occur when everyone participates in the effort to break down barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls.
The United Nations theme places emphasis on policy reforms and institutional support needed to address persistent inequalities affecting women globally.
Despite significant progress in recent decades, millions of women still face barriers such as discriminatory laws, economic disparities, gender-based violence and limited access to justice.
By focusing on rights, justice and action, the UN is calling on governments, policymakers and institutions to adopt and implement policies that protect women from violence, promote equal opportunities and ensure fair representation in decision-making processes.
The emphasis on action reflects growing global expectations that commitments to gender equality must translate into measurable outcomes and tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.
While notable progress has been made, many women and girls still face significant challenges. Issues such as unequal access to education, economic inequality, cultural barriers and underrepresentation in leadership positions remain pressing concerns in many parts of the world.
Gender-based violence also continues to pose a major threat to the safety and well-being of women and girls globally.
Experts argue that addressing these challenges requires sustained collaboration among governments, private institutions, civil society organisations and communities. Policies that promote female education, economic empowerment and stronger legal protections for women are essential for achieving lasting progress.
International Women’s Day also highlights the importance of empowering the next generation of girls. Advocates emphasise that investing in girls’ education, leadership development and skills acquisition can produce far-reaching benefits for societies.
Studies have shown that when girls have access to education and equal opportunities, communities experience improved economic growth, stronger democratic institutions and healthier social outcomes.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, the message remains clear, empowering women is essential for sustainable development and social progress. When women succeed, communities prosper and nations grow stronger.
- Olufunmilayo Adebomi Ojo is a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication. A practicing Journalist. Member of ACSPN, NIPR, NUJ and NAWOJ
The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.
