By Queen Kunde
A women’s advocacy organisation, the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), has called on government, civil society groups and other stakeholders to take practical steps to improve the lives of women and girls across Nigeria.
The call was made during the group’s virtual general meeting held on March 10, 2026, to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration with the theme, “Give to Gain.”
In a statement jointly signed by the newly appointed National Coordinator, Lydia Samson, and the Public Relations Officer, Mina Daniels, members said the meeting focused on practical actions that can help advance women’s rights, welfare and empowerment in the country.
Speaking at the meeting, the President and Founder of the organisation, Evelyn Onyilo, urged members to move beyond yearly discussions and begin to take concrete steps that will promote gender equality.
She called on governments at all levels to increase women’s participation in leadership by implementing the 35 per cent affirmative action policy in both appointive and elective positions.
Onyilo also urged authorities to introduce targeted economic programmes, including grants and soft loans, to support women-owned businesses and strengthen women’s financial independence.
She further stressed the need for stronger action against sexual and gender-based violence, insisting that offenders must be prosecuted while survivors receive protection, shelter and rehabilitation.
During the meeting, members presented several ideas aimed at empowering women and girls through education, mentorship and skills training.
They proposed programmes to support vulnerable groups such as widows, rural women and out-of-school girls through vocational training and mentorship initiatives.
Members also suggested internal training schemes where members of the organisation would teach others skills such as baking, small business management and entrepreneurship to help women become financially independent.
Another proposal discussed was the distribution of sanitary pads to vulnerable schoolgirls through community partnerships. Members said the initiative would help keep girls in school and reduce dropout rates.
Participants also discussed issues affecting women and girls including child marriage, mental health support, maternal and reproductive healthcare, and cultural barriers that limit women’s participation in leadership and development.
They also called for stronger monitoring to ensure that funds meant for youth and women development programmes are properly used to support vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the organisation used the meeting to inaugurate a new national leadership team to coordinate its programmes across the country.
The new management team will be led by Lydia Samson as National Coordinator, with Jamila Umar serving as Deputy National Coordinator and Queen Kunde as National Secretary, alongside other members and zonal coordinators across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Speaking on behalf of the new leadership, Samson thanked members for the confidence placed in them and promised that the team would work hard to expand the organisation’s programmes and impact nationwide.
She also called on members to remain active and committed to building a stronger organisation capable of delivering meaningful change.
The meeting further discussed strategies for sustaining the group’s activities, including partnerships with philanthropists, corporate organisations and community groups.
Members agreed that training, mentorship and empowerment programmes for vulnerable women and girls should begin immediately, even on a small scale, in line with the theme “Give to Gain.”
They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting gender equality, supporting women economically and expanding opportunities for girls across Nigeria.