Bolaji Dada, Lagos State commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation (WAPA), has emphasised the importance of safeguarding the rights of women and girls through actions aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.

Mrs Dada, in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), said the theme for 2026 celebration underscored the critical need to strengthen access to justice for all.

IWD is celebrated every March 8 across the world to recognise the role of women in society and draw attention to issues affecting their rights and opportunities.

The 2026 celebration has the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” while the global campaign theme is “Give to Gain.”

The commissioner also said the theme called for practical and result-driven steps that translated policies into tangible impact in the lives of women and girls across communities.

She noted that the campaign focus on ‘Give To Gain, reinforced the principle that sustained investment in women and girls through education, empowerment, protection services, and structured social support systems yields long-term benefits for families, communities, and the State at large.

According to her, empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic pathway to economic growth and societal stability.

“Under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu led government, the state continues to implement transformative programmes and policies aimed at protecting women’s rights, promoting economic inclusion and enhancing institutional responses to gender-based violence”.

The commissioner commended the resilience, innovation, enterprise, and invaluable contributions of women across all sectors of the state, while acknowledging their pivotal role in governance, business, education, health, community development, and nation-building.

Mrs Dada encouraged women and girls to continue to participate actively in government initiatives and empowerment programmes designed to promote their wellbeing and advancement.

Mrs Dada advised residents of the state to uphold the principles of human right, while urging women and girls to embrace the message of the IWD to build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society for present and future generations.

(NAN)