Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Women and Children’s Education in Nigeria

By Sandra Eguagie

As we mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action,” we reflect on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ). This year, our focus is on the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women and children, particularly in Nigeria, where investment in education remains critically low.

Rural women in Nigeria play an essential role in agricultural production, food security, and resource management. Engaged in activities like vegetable farming, livestock rearing, and fisheries, these women are the backbone of our rural economy. Despite their invaluable contributions, they continue to face challenges such as unequal income distribution, limited access to resources, and minimal decision-making power.

To break the cycle of poverty, it is imperative that we prioritize high-quality education for girls. Educating young girls not only enhances their individual well-being but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Strengthening women’s legal rights to own and inherit land is crucial for their economic stability and influence. Access to training, technology, financial resources, and reproductive health services is vital for their overall well-being. By investing in skills development and business training, rural women can achieve economic independence and diversify their income sources.

ANEEJ has made strides in supporting rural communities by establishing cassava processing plants and providing vocational training for vulnerable young girls in Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa States. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower women and girls, fostering economic stability and sustainable development.

While rural women face significant challenges, it’s equally important to spotlight the experiences of young women and girls in urban areas. Despite their education and awareness, they navigate a complex digital landscape where visibility and representation can be scarce. On this International Women’s Day, we have a unique opportunity to “Accelerate Action” in the digital realm. By encouraging women and girls to share their stories and use social media responsibly, we can foster a culture of empowerment.

We must educate young girls about their intrinsic value beyond social media validation. Creating safe, inclusive online spaces is essential for allowing women to express themselves freely, driving long-term positive change. Teaching digital skills such as marketing, e-commerce, and coding can enable young women to earn ethically and create value-driven content that respects their dignity.

Moreover, social media companies must prioritize educational and professional content over sensational or exploitative posts. Today, we celebrate the achievements of women who have made remarkable impacts across various fields in Nigeria—business, science, humanitarian work, education, agriculture, technology, politics, and sports. Figures like Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, former vice-chancellor of the University of Benin; Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of NAPTIP; Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin, Edo State’s first female Commissioner of Police; and Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, former Executive Chairman of the FIRS, continue to inspire the next generation.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, let us commit to accelerating action for the education of women and children in Nigeria, ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all. Together, we can create a society where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Sandra Eguagie is ANEEJ Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and writes from Benin City