By Esther Onyegbula

The Federation of Informal Workers Organizations of Nigeria (FIWON) has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to expand social protection policies for women working in the informal sector, warning that millions remain economically vulnerable despite their significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

The group made the call on Tuesday in a statement to mark International Women’s Day 2026, themed “Give To Gain, expanding social protection for Women in the Informal Economy.”
FIWON said the theme underscores the need for governments, institutions and society to invest deliberately in women’s empowerment, stressing that supporting women workers ultimately strengthens households, communities and national economies.

According to the organisation, the urgency of the message is particularly evident in Nigeria where about 93 per cent of employment occurs within the informal sector, a space where women constitute a substantial proportion of the workforce.

FIWON noted that women dominate several informal occupations including market trading, street vending, small-scale food processing, agriculture, domestic work and home-based enterprises, yet remain among the most economically vulnerable workers.

Citing recent reports, the organisation said women own about 35 per cent of informal businesses in Nigeria, but still earn significantly less than their male counterparts operating within the same sector.
It added that 41 per cent of women-owned informal enterprises earn less than ₦10,000 in daily profit, a situation that limits their capacity to save, reinvest or expand their businesses.

The organisation lamented that despite their economic contributions, the majority of women in the informal economy lack access to essential social protection systems such as health insurance, maternity protection, pensions and income security during crises.

FIWON warned that for millions of women workers, unexpected events such as illness, pregnancy, market disruptions or broader economic shocks could easily wipe out their sources of livelihood and push their families deeper into poverty.

“On this International Women’s Day, we call on the Government of Nigeria and all relevant stakeholders to translate the spirit of ‘Give To Gain’ into concrete policies that expand inclusive social protection for women working in the informal economy,” the organisation stated.
FIWON specifically advocated universal access to affordable healthcare for informal workers and their families, as well as maternity protection and income security for women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

The organisation also called for the establishment of affordable childcare facilities within markets and informal workplaces, and the development of inclusive pension and social insurance schemes tailored to the realities of informal workers.
It further emphasised the need for meaningful participation of women informal workers in policy formulation and social dialogue, noting that policies designed without their input often fail to address the realities they face.

According to FIWON, investing in social protection for women should not be seen as charity but as a strategic economic decision capable of driving sustainable development.
“When women workers are protected, households become more stable, local economies grow stronger and national development becomes more inclusive,” the organisation said.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to organising informal workers across Nigeria and advocating policies that promote dignity, security and social justice for women workers.

“On this day of global solidarity, we reiterate that when women workers are given protection, recognition and opportunity, Nigeria as a nation stands to gain,” the statement added.