Written By Bernard Otu Assim-Ita
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 arrives at a critical time, carrying the theme Accelerate Action. While discussions on women’s leadership are essential, the persistent barriers to women’s voices and representation in Nigeria underscore the urgency of systemic change. Patriarchy continues to shape political, economic, and social structures, making it difficult for women to attain and sustain leadership positions.
Women face entrenched biases that limit their political participation and career advancement, while cultural and institutional barriers reinforce gender disparities. Access to quality education, economic opportunities, and political inclusion remain critical areas where progress is needed. True leadership does not begin at the ballot box or boardroom; it starts with ensuring that girls and women have the foundational tools to thrive—unhindered by systemic oppression.
One stark reminder of the challenges women in leadership face is the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who spoke out against sexual harassment in Nigeria’s Senate. Instead of being met with institutional support, her petition was dismissed on procedural grounds, reinforcing a troubling precedent where women who challenge the status quo are often silenced. This incident highlights a broader societal reluctance to address gender-based misconduct and exposes the hurdles women face when they step into public leadership. Such realities discourage women from entering politics and other male-dominated spaces, where they often endure intimidation, character assassination, and systemic exclusion.
The impact of limited female representation extends beyond leadership spaces. When women are absent from decision-making tables, policies and laws that affect them are often shaped without their voices. This exclusion perpetuates cycles of inequality in education, economic empowerment, and access to justice. Women’s leadership is not just about individual ambition; it is a fundamental necessity for national development.
The Nigerian government has made commendable efforts to bridge gender disparities through policies such as the National Gender Policy and the Safe Schools Initiative. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge. While frameworks exist to support women’s participation in leadership and education, the lack of political will and institutional accountability continues to undermine progress. Investing in women’s leadership must go beyond symbolic appointments; it requires deliberate action to dismantle barriers and create an enabling environment for women to lead without fear or resistance.
Through the work we do at Education as a Vaccine, we are complementing these efforts by championing gender justice and inclusion. EVA actively engages in community advocacy, education, and support for women and girls. Through initiatives promoting menstrual dignity, access to sexual and reproductive health services, and support for survivors of gender-based violence, EVA ensures that women and girls are equipped with the resources they need to break free from systemic oppression. By advocating for policy implementation, strengthening education systems, and fostering economic independence for women, EVA is driving sustainable action toward gender equality.
Accelerating action requires more than rhetoric—it demands concrete and sustained interventions. Prioritizing girls’ education, ensuring safe learning environments, eliminating barriers such as period poverty, and holding institutions accountable for gender-responsive policies are crucial steps toward achieving true equity. The fight for women’s representation is not just about leadership; it is about securing a future where women are free to contribute meaningfully to society without systemic obstacles.
This International Women’s Day, we must go beyond acknowledging progress. We must challenge the structures that continue to hinder women’s voices and demand transformative action. The future must be one where women and girls are safe, heard, and empowered—not as an exception, but as the standard. The fight continues, and together, we must push forward, not just for today, but for generations to come.
