By Victor Ahiuma-Young, ABUJA

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and International Labour Organisation, ILO, have called for stronger commitment to the protection and advancement of women’s rights, stressing that empowering women is critical for economic growth and social justice.

They spoke yesterday in Abuja, during the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, IWD, organised by the TUC Women Commission.

Speaking, The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, who described the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Empowering Women: The Path to Equal Rights and Social Justice,” as timely and significant, said empowering women was not just a moral duty but an economic and social necessity.

“Empowering women is not simply a moral obligation—it is an economic and social necessity. When women are empowered with equal opportunities, fair wages, safe working conditions and access to social protection, societies become stronger and economies grow more resilient,” he said.

He commended the TUC Women Commission for its consistent efforts in championing the cause of women within the labour movement and for creating a platform that amplifies the voices and aspirations of women across workplaces and communities.

While acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian women to national development, Faleye lamented that many women still face barriers that limit their access to opportunities. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to promoting safe workplaces for women and all workers.

He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to building a future where every woman can work in a safe environment, earn a fair income and participate fully in decision-making processes that shape the economy and society.

On his part, President-General of the TUC, Festus Osifo, described women as pivotal contributors to workplaces, communities and national development, but regretted that gender inequalities still persist.

Osifo disclosed that the TUC had taken steps to address these challenges and institutionalise gender inclusion within the labour movement.

In her remarks, the Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Nigeria, Dr. Vanessa Phala Moyo, said International Women’s Day offers an annual opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while confronting persistent inequalities in the world of work.

She drew attention to structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s full enjoyment of their rights and called for collective action to address them.

Earlier, Chairperson of the TUC Nigeria Women Commission, Comrade Esther Saabe Ahmadu, said that although progress had been made in advancing women’s rights, much more still needed to be done.

“As we reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women across the globe, it is clear that while we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are not only seen and heard but also empowered in every sphere of life,” she said.

The event was attended by labour leaders, women leaders, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other key stakeholders.