IWD 2026: Africa’s Future Lies in Women’s Leadership, Says Ogenna Walter-Ekwubiri

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Founder of the Motivating African Youths Initiative (MAY-I), Dr Ogenna Walter-Ekwubiri has said Africa’s future depends on empowering women and expanding their leadership across politics, business and society as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.

Walter-Ekwubiri, who is also the Global President of World Women Leading Change Nigeria, made the call in a statement commemorating the global celebration observed every March 8.

She noted that the 2026 theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Justice. Action.” highlights the urgent need for governments, institutions and citizens to move beyond symbolic gestures and take concrete steps toward gender equality.

“Today, as the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, we pause to celebrate the courage, resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential of women and girls across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

“This year’s theme—‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Justice. Action.’—is not merely a call for celebration; it is a call for collective responsibility,” she said.

Walter-Ekwubiri said despite notable progress in gender inclusion, structural barriers continue to limit opportunities for women and girls across Nigeria and Africa.

She said, “In Nigeria, women constitute nearly half of the population, yet less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly are occupied by women, placing the country among the lowest in Africa for women’s political representation.

“Similarly, millions of girls remain deprived of education, with about 7.6 million girls currently out of school, highlighting the structural barriers that still hinder opportunity and empowerment.”

She said the figures represent lost opportunities for national development, stressing that women have historically played critical roles in shaping communities, economies and governance systems.

Walter-Ekwubiri, however, expressed optimism about a growing wave of women entrepreneurs, innovators, educators and leaders across Africa who are breaking barriers and redefining leadership.