EDSG Leverages IWD 2026 to Empower Women and Foster Growth

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The atmosphere in Benin City was alive with colour, energy, and purpose as women from different walks of life gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 in Edo State. But beyond the music, banners, and coordinated outfits, there was a deeper story one of resilience, opportunity, and a deliberate push toward lasting empowerment.

For many of the women who participated, this was not just another annual event. It was a week that spoke directly to their realities economically, socially, and personally.

Anchored on the global theme, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the celebration began with a press conference that set the tone for what would become a week of engagement and impact. Government officials used the platform to reaffirm their commitment to policies and programmes that uplift women across Edo State.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, captured ther vision succinctly when she noted that empowering women must move “from conversations to concrete action.” According to her, “when women are given the right support system, they do not just succeed individually, they lift families, communities, and the economy as a whole.”

That sense of collective purpose carried into the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the health and awareness walk. Women young and old stepped out not just to exercise, but to be seen and heard. The walk became a moving statement on the importance of wellbeing, solidarity, and visibility, as participants championed causes affecting women and girls.

At the centre of the celebration was a three-day mini trade fair, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady. Held at the State Secretariat Complex, Sapele road, Benin City, the fair created a vibrant marketplace for women entrepreneurs. Participants showcased a wide range of products and services, from local crafts to professional offerings, while also building networks and expanding their business opportunities.

Beyond commerce, the trade fair reinforced the importance of economic empowerment, encouraging residents to support locally made products and positioning women as vital contributors to the state’s economic growth.

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani declared the trade fair open and described it as “a bridge between potential and opportunity,” emphasizing that economic empowerment remains one of the most powerful tools for changing the narrative for women. “When a woman is financially empowered, the impact goes far beyond her,” she said.

The energy of the trade fair flowed seamlessly into the grand finale, where the celebration reached its most impactful moment. Over 200 women received ₦100,000 grants each, support that for many beneficiaries, represents not just financial relief but renewed hope.

For a petty trader and mother of three, the grant means restocking her business. For a young entrepreneur, it offers the chance to scale up a growing idea. For others, it is a lifeline in challenging economic times. Most of the beneficiaries of the ₦100,000 grant had earlier participated in a three-day “Start and Improve Your Business” and e-commerce training programme, where they were equipped with essential entrepreneurial skills, digital marketing knowledge, and practical strategies needed to build, manage, and scale their businesses effectively.

The event also took time to celebrate excellence. Women who have made remarkable contributions in public service, education, health, business, and community development were honoured with awards, a reminders that success stories exist and deserve recognition.

Overall, the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Edo State stood out as a holistic and results driven initiative. By combining policy engagement, health awareness, economic empowerment, and recognition of excellence, the state delivered a programme that truly reflected the spirit of the global campaign.

More than just a celebration, IWD 2026 in Edo State sent a strong message: empowering women is not optional, it is essential for building stronger communities, growing the economy, and securing a more inclusive future for all.