By Khadija Kubau
The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for stronger commitment from government, institutions, and the public toward advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
The association made the call as the world commemorates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, urging stakeholders to take deliberate steps to remove barriers that hinder women from reaching their full potential.
In a statement signed by the Chairperson, Sahura Jibril Maidoki, and the Secretary, Hadiza Bello Abdullahi, NAWOJ Kaduna noted that this year’s celebration, themed “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women through opportunities, support, and resources in order to achieve broader social and economic progress.
According to the association, empowering women leads to stronger communities, improved economic growth, and sustainable development.
NAWOJ emphasized that despite progress made in recent years, many women still face challenges in areas such as education, economic empowerment, political participation, and protection from gender-based violence.
The association therefore urged policymakers and other stakeholders to prioritize gender-responsive policies that expand women’s access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership positions.
It also stressed the role of the media in promoting gender-sensitive reporting and amplifying the voices and achievements of women across different sectors.
NAWOJ Kaduna further encouraged women to support one another and actively participated in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive development in the state and the country.
The association congratulated women in Kaduna State and across Nigeria for their contributions to nation-building and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment through responsible journalism.