The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a prominent and Frontline Human Rights Advocacy Organization joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, a day set aside to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and indispensable contributions of women to sustainable development, democracy, peacebuilding, and social justice.
This year’s commemoration, themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” as adopted by the United Nations, underscores the urgent need for governments, institutions, and societies to move beyond rhetoric and commit to tangible actions that guarantee equal rights, protection, and opportunities for women and girls everywhere.
FENRAD notes that despite global progress in gender equality advocacy, millions of women and girls, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, continue to face systemic barriers including gender-based violence, economic exclusion, limited access to education, environmental vulnerability, and underrepresentation in political and decision-making processes.
Women remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship, community resilience, and social transformation. Yet, they are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and insecurity. In rural and urban communities alike, women bear the burden of managing household livelihoods in the face of dwindling environmental resources and weak social protection systems.
FENRAD therefore calls on the Federal Government, state governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and development partners to intensify efforts towards advancing gender-responsive governance and inclusive development.
This includes strengthening legal protections against gender-based violence,
Expanding economic empowerment opportunities for women, ensuring equal participation of women in governance and policy-making, and promoting access to education, healthcare, and environmental resources.
Furthermore, FENRAD stresses the need for stronger institutional frameworks that promote women’s participation in climate action, environmental governance, and sustainable development initiatives.
Empowering women in these sectors is not only a matter of justice but a strategic necessity for achieving long-term societal stability and economic growth.
As a civil society organization committed to environmental rights, accountability, and social justice, FENRAD reaffirms its dedication to advocating for policies and programs that protect the dignity, rights, and welfare of women and girls.
The organization will continue to work with communities, partners, and relevant stakeholders to amplify women’s voices and strengthen civic spaces that support gender equality and environmental sustainability.
On this significant day,
FENRAD celebrates the courage, leadership, and sacrifices of women across Nigeria and beyond who continue to champion peace, justice, and development even in the face of daunting challenges.
The organization urges all stakeholders to translate commitments into measurable actions that will secure a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
IWD2026 #GIVE TO GAIN
Signed
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
Tel: 08033383708,07062949232
Email: info@fenrad.org.ng
Info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com
www.fenrad.org.ng
