President Tinubu Celebrates Nigerian Women on 2025 International Women’s Day, Pledges Support for Gender Equality
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the resilience, brilliance, and indispensable contributions of Nigerian women as the world marks the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD). In a statement released on Saturday, the President described women as the “strength” that powers the nation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing gender equality through the Renewed Hope agenda.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Action,” underscores the importance of empowering women to drive sustainable development and societal progress.
Tinubu’s Tribute to Nigerian Women
In his statement, President Tinubu celebrated Nigerian women as the bedrock of the nation, highlighting their pivotal roles in homes, farms, boardrooms, and communities. He acknowledged the persistent barriers that limit women’s potential, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, and pledged to dismantle these obstacles.
“You are the bedrock of our nation, driving progress from our homes to our farms, boardrooms, and communities. Yet, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, too many still face barriers that limit their potential,” the President stated.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding access to finance, ensuring equitable opportunities in governance and agriculture, and creating an enabling environment for women to thrive.
“Our administration is committed in our Renewed Hope pledge to dismantle obstacles, expand access to finance, and ensure equitable opportunities in governance, agriculture, and every sector,” Tinubu said.
The President concluded his message with a heartfelt tribute to Nigerian women, stating, “To our mothers, daughters, sisters—your strength fuels Nigeria’s future. Together, we rise! Happy International Women’s Day.”
Implications of the Renewed Hope Agenda
President Tinubu’s statement reflects the federal government’s broader agenda to promote gender equality and empower women across all sectors. The Renewed Hope agenda aims to address systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
By prioritizing gender equality, the administration seeks to unlock the full potential of Nigerian women, recognizing their critical role in driving national development. The President’s pledge to expand access to finance and equitable opportunities aligns with global efforts to accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
Celebrating Women’s Contributions
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of women to society and the need to address the challenges they face. Nigerian women have been at the forefront of advocacy, entrepreneurship, education, and governance, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
Despite their achievements, women in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, limited representation in leadership, and unequal access to resources. President Tinubu’s acknowledgment of these issues and his commitment to addressing them signal a positive step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Calls for Accelerated Action
Stakeholders have welcomed the President’s message but emphasized the need for concrete actions to translate his pledges into tangible outcomes. Civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, and international partners have called for increased investment in women’s education, healthcare, and economic empowerment to accelerate progress toward gender equality.
The theme of this year’s IWD, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Action,” highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls. Stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize policies that promote women’s participation in decision-making, protect their rights, and create opportunities for their advancement.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day, the focus remains on accelerating action to achieve gender equality. President Tinubu’s statement sets the tone for renewed efforts to empower women and create a more inclusive society.
The federal government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda offers a promising framework for addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress. By investing in women and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of society, Nigeria can unlock its potential and build a brighter future for all.
