Background
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a hallmark celebration that dates back to 1977 when the United Nations (UN) officially recognized the organized activities of labor movements to raise awareness on women’s rights. Since then, IWD has risen in significance and is now a globally celebrated movement. In Nigeria, IWD is a significant day and serves as an annual commemoration of the progress made towards gender equality. It is a powerful platform to advocate for women’s rights and to address the pervasive challenges faced by the female population, that underpin underrepresentation in the labor force and unequal access to opportunities across education and leadership roles. IWD amplifies the call for inclusivity and empowerment but also highlights the indispensable contributions of women to the nation’s economic growth. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the ongoing journey towards a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Format of the IWD event: Conference and Trade Fair
In 2024, IWD will take place on 6th of March, themed “Invest in women: Accelerating progress” by the United Nations. The Office of the SA to the President on Women Affairs proposes a Conference and Trade Exhibition/Fair to promote and connect key women-led and women-empowerment focused businesses across the nation. The IWD Event will be a conference with expert speaker sessions across various topics to spark insightful discussions around women empowerment. Additionally, there will be a Trade Exhibition for women-led and women-focused businesses across different sectors to showcase their product offering.