The Grassroots Voices and Youth Advancement Foundation (GVYAF) has called for stronger grassroots action and inclusive policies to advance the rights of women and girls across Nigeria as the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026.
Director General of the foundation, Ambassador Maryam Olasunbo Ajala, made the call while addressing stakeholders, youth leaders and community advocates during a commemorative gathering organized by the foundation. She said the 2026 global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” should serve as a practical guide for empowering women, particularly those at the grassroots level.
Ajala emphasized that although legal frameworks exist to protect women’s rights, the real challenge lies in ensuring justice and translating these rights into meaningful actions that impact women in communities. She noted that many young women in rural areas still face barriers that limit their access to justice, opportunities and representation in decision-making.
The GVYAF Director General highlighted the critical role of youth in driving social change, stressing that young people are not only leaders of the future but also active contributors to present-day development. According to her, young women remain key drivers of community mobilization and advocacy for social justice.
She further called for the dismantling of social and structural barriers preventing women from occupying leadership positions, the strengthening of systems that protect survivors of violence and discrimination, and greater inclusion of girls and women in rural communities in national development initiatives.
Ajala also encouraged members of the foundation and the public to embrace the global #GiveToGain campaign, which promotes mentorship, resource sharing and collective support as tools for empowerment. She maintained that when women are supported to succeed, communities and the broader economy also benefit.
Reaffirming the commitment of GVYAF, Ajala said the organization would continue to advocate for increased representation of young women in leadership, improved access to economic opportunities and financial tools, as well as quality and uninterrupted education for girls across the country.
