As the world commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD), the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Bolaji Dada, has urged for deliberate, result-driven actions to secure the rights and empowerment of women and girls across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark the 2026 celebration, themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” Commissioner Dada emphasized that the time for symbolic recognition has passed, calling instead for practical steps that translate policy into tangible life improvements.
Highlighting the 2026 global campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” the Commissioner noted that investment in women is not merely a social obligation but a strategic necessity for the state’s long-term economic stability.
“The campaign reinforces the principle that sustained investment in women and girls through education, empowerment, and structured social support systems yields dividends for families, communities, and the state at large,” Dada stated.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to gender equity. She highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance institutional responses to gender-based violence (GBV), promote economic inclusion, and protect the fundamental rights of women.
“Under the current administration, the state continues to implement transformative programs aimed at protecting women’s rights and enhancing institutional responses to the challenges they face,” she added.
Celebrating the resilience and enterprise of women across diverse sectors from business and governance to education and community development, Dada paid tribute to their pivotal role in nation-building.
She encouraged women and girls across Lagos to take full advantage of state-led initiatives and empowerment programs, urging them to remain active participants in the government’s development agenda.
“I call on all residents to uphold the principles of human rights,” the Commissioner concluded. “By embracing the message of IWD, we can collectively build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society for present and future generations.”
