Give to Gain’: Women’s Group Demands 35% Affirmative Action, Economic Support for Women By Raymond Enoch
A women’s advocacy organisation, the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), has called on the Nigerian government and key stakeholders to take urgent and practical steps to advance women’s empowerment, education and protection across the country.
The organization made the call during its general meeting held virtually on March 10, 2026, as part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day celebration under the theme “Give to Gain.”
In a statement issued after the meeting by the newly appointed National Coordinator, Lydia Samson, and the Public Relations Officer, Mina Daniels, members stressed that meaningful progress in gender equality would require deliberate government action, stronger policies and sustained investment in programmes that support women and girls.
President and Founder of INWOAD, Evelyn Onyilo, urged members and stakeholders to move beyond symbolic conversations often associated with annual celebrations and focus instead on concrete actions capable of transforming the lives of women.
She specifically called on government at all levels to ensure the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action policy to guarantee increased female representation in both appointive and elective positions.
According to Onyilo, the full inclusion of women in governance remains essential for balanced development and inclusive decision-making.
She also urged authorities to design targeted economic programmes such as grants and soft loans for women-owned businesses to boost financial independence and reduce economic vulnerability among women.
Onyilo further emphasised the urgent need for stronger action against sexual and gender-based violence, insisting that perpetrators must face justice while survivors are provided with adequate protection, shelter and rehabilitation support.
Participants at the meeting also proposed a range of practical initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
Members recommended the introduction of mentorship programmes, vocational training and education initiatives targeting widows, rural women and out-of-school girls.
The group also proposed internal skill acquisition programmes where members would train other women in vocational areas such as baking and entrepreneurship to encourage self-reliance and financial independence.
Another proposal discussed was collaboration with community organisations to distribute sanitary pads to adolescent girls in schools, a measure participants believe would help improve school attendance and reduce dropout rates among female students.
The meeting also examined broader social challenges affecting women and girls, including child marriage, mental health concerns, maternal and reproductive healthcare, and cultural barriers that limit women’s participation in leadership and development.
Members also stressed the need for stronger monitoring of funds allocated for youth and women development programmes to ensure they are properly utilised to support vulnerable groups.
In a major development during the meeting, INWOAD also announced the inauguration of a new national management team to coordinate its programmes and expand its activities across Nigeria.
The new leadership structure will be headed by Lydia Samson as National Coordinator, with Jamila Umar serving as Deputy National Coordinator and Queen Kunde as National Secretary, alongside other management members and zonal coordinators across the six geopolitical zones.
Speaking on behalf of the new leadership team, Samson expressed appreciation to members for the confidence placed in them and pledged that the team would work diligently to strengthen the organisation’s programmes and broaden its national impact.
She also urged members to remain actively involved in the organisation’s activities in order to build a stronger platform capable of delivering meaningful empowerment initiatives.
The meeting further explored strategies for sustaining the organisation’s programmes, including partnerships with philanthropists, corporate organisations and community-based groups.
Members agreed that training, mentorship and empowerment initiatives for vulnerable women and girls should commence immediately, even on a modest scale, in line with the theme “Give to Gain.”
INWOAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening women’s economic participation and expanding opportunities for the girl child across Nigeria.
