By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights, protection, and empowerment of women and vulnerable groups as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026. The assurance was given by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, during a press briefing where she outlined programmes lined up for the global celebration and highlighted key achievements of the state government in promoting gender equality and social development.
Addressing journalists, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders, Abdallah said the annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognise the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women and girls across the world. She noted that the 2026 theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” calls on governments, institutions, and communities to accelerate efforts toward gender equality while ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected and fully realised.
The Commissioner emphasised that under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government has continued to demonstrate strong commitment to improving the welfare and protection of women, children, and other vulnerable members of society, with the Ministry playing a leading role in implementing policies and programmes that promote inclusion, protection, and opportunities for women across the state.
Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, Abdallah said the government has intensified efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence through stronger collaboration with law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders. According to her, initiatives in this area include the establishment of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, capacity building programmes for government and non-government actors, sustained awareness campaigns, and improved support mechanisms for survivors.
She added that the government has also prioritized women’s economic empowerment through various training and empowerment initiatives designed to equip women with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and improved access to economic opportunities, particularly targeting vulnerable women, widows, and young women across the state to enable them achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The Commissioner further explained that the administration has expanded social intervention programmes to support vulnerable populations, including children, persons with disabilities, and elderly citizens, through rehabilitation services, social support, and community-based assistance aimed at improving their quality of life.
She added that the Ministry has strengthened collaboration with development partners such as the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), alongside civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders to enhance advocacy, policy development, and service delivery in promoting gender equality and social inclusion across Edo State.
Abdallah also stressed the importance of promoting women’s participation in leadership and decision-making processes, noting that the state government continues to encourage women to take active roles in governance, community development, and public service through strategic appointments, policy engagement, advocacy platforms, and leadership development initiatives.
She further announced that the Ministry has lined up several activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, including a health and awareness walk to promote wellness and solidarity, a trade fair and exhibition showcasing products and services of women farmers and entrepreneurs, and a three-day empowerment training programme for vulnerable women.
Other activities include a stakeholders’ conference focusing on women’s rights, justice, and action, as well as recognition awards for outstanding women and male allies under the HeForShe advocacy initiative for their contributions to societal development and gender equality.
The Commissioner called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration in promoting gender equality and social justice, stressing that building a society where women and girls can thrive requires collective responsibility, sustained commitment, and deliberate action from all stakeholders.
She reaffirmed that the Edo State Government under Governor Okpebholo remains firmly committed to protecting the rights of women and implementing policies that empower them socially, economically, and politically. She urged citizens to use the occasion of International Women’s Day to renew their dedication to building a more inclusive society where every woman and girl can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Abdallah also wished residents of the state a meaningful and impactful International Women’s Day celebration, reiterating the government’s continued dedication to advancing gender equality and social development across Edo State.
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