By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria), in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), will host the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration as part of its efforts to advance gender equality, empower women and girls, and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aligned with the global International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” this year’s UNA-Nigeria event is themed: “Rights. Justice. Action: Empowering Women and Girls Through Digital Education, AI, and Health Equity.”

The celebration will convene a distinguished gathering of leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and development organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and drive actionable solutions that promote inclusive growth and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

A key highlight of this year’s celebration is its campaign anchor: “Give to Gain (#GiveToGain)” — a call to action encouraging collective contributions toward creating opportunities for women and girls. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and community-focused initiatives designed to inspire change and foster sustainable impact.

This includes outreach programmes targeting public school girls through the distribution of menstrual hygiene packs, alongside capacity-building sessions focused on digital skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Speaking ahead of the event, the President of UNA-Nigeria, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, said the celebration is more than a moment; it is a movement.

“We are committed to creating platforms that amplify women’s voices, unlock opportunities, and catalyse transformative change across communities. Through digital education, AI, and health equity, we are equipping women and girls with the tools they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

The event underscores UNA-Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening partnerships, and supporting national development priorities in line with global frameworks.