The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has called for stronger actions to protect the rights of women and girls while promoting equal opportunities and inclusion across all sectors of society.
The call was made by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita Ikpang, in a statement issued in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
The global event is being observed under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”, alongside the campaign call #GiveToGain, which emphasises the need for collective efforts to empower women and advance gender equality.
Ikpang said the theme highlights the urgency of safeguarding the rights of women and girls, ensuring justice when those rights are violated, and creating equal opportunities for women in governance, professional spaces and communities.
“Achieving gender equality requires more than conversations. It demands deliberate actions to protect the rights of women and girls, ensure justice where those rights are violated, and take bold steps that guarantee equal opportunities and inclusion,” she said.
She reaffirmed NAWOJ FCT’s commitment to using journalism as a platform to amplify the voices of women, particularly those whose stories are often underreported.
“As journalists and advocates, NAWOJ FCT remains committed to amplifying the voices of women and highlighting issues affecting women and girls while advocating policies that promote equality, justice and dignity,” Ikpang stated.
As part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, the association revealed that it has partnered with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja and the Federal Ministry of Health to organise free cancer screening for female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ikpang explained that the initiative underscores the importance of prioritising women’s health through early detection and prevention of cancer.
The association also announced plans to implement two key programmes in collaboration with the Embassy of Germany in Abuja.
According to her, the programmes include a capacity-building initiative for female journalists aimed at strengthening professional and leadership skills, as well as a Marketplace Advocacy Event designed to engage grassroots women and raise awareness about issues affecting women and girls.
NAWOJ FCT also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for increased female representation in governance.
Ikpang noted that the chapter would continue to collaborate with the national leadership of NAWOJ and other women’s groups to push for the creation of Special Seats for Women in governance, which she described as a crucial step toward improving women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making in Nigeria.
“We will continue to amplify the voices of women in leadership and support advocacy for Special Seats for Women in governance to improve representation in political decision-making,” she said.
She commended female journalists in the FCT for their professionalism and dedication to reporting societal issues, particularly those affecting women and vulnerable groups.
Ikpang also called on governments, institutions and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure equal rights, opportunities and protection for women and girls.
“Let us remain committed to a future where every woman and girl enjoys her full rights, has access to justice and is empowered to reach her full potential,” she added.
