As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has joined the global movement in celebrating the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across various sectors.
With this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” the NUJ FCT Council emphasized the progress made in advancing gender equality while calling for sustained efforts to dismantle barriers hindering women’s full participation in leadership and decision-making roles.
In a statement, the Council highlighted the growing representation of women in governance, journalism, and other professional spheres, acknowledging that leadership is driven by competence and vision rather than gender. The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where female professionals can thrive.
A key milestone in the Council’s commitment to gender inclusivity is the historic election of Grace Ike as the first female Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in 41 years. Her emergence, the statement noted, is a testament to the evolving role of women in journalism and leadership, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women across industries.
Speaking on the significance of IWD, Grace Ike urged women to stand in solidarity and support one another, particularly in politics and leadership. She emphasized that IWD should go beyond mere symbolism and translate into concrete actions that empower women.
“International Women’s Day should be more than just a symbolic occasion; it should be a time for women to truly support one another, both publicly and privately. We must move beyond lip service and political convenience. A woman who abandons her fellow women in an electoral contest, aligning herself with men instead, does not embody the true essence of womanhood just as we saw in the NUJ FCT election,” she said.
Ike also underscored the importance of women’s participation in elections, not only as voters but as leaders and agents of change. She urged women to resist political marginalization and work collectively to transform governance.
“Women play a key role in elections, not only as voters but as leaders, candidates, and agents of change. Their participation can reshape the political landscape and challenge the status quo. However, when women choose to betray their own for personal gain or political advantage, they undermine the solidarity and progress essential for societal transformation,” she stated.
She further called for investment in women’s rights and gender equality, urging leaders, the federal government, and well-meaning Nigerians to create more opportunities for women to take up leadership positions.
“The barriers of the past no longer define us. This milestone is not just mine; it belongs to every woman who dares to challenge the norm,” she added.
The NUJ FCT Council also called on stakeholders to continue supporting and empowering women, ensuring that they have access to platforms where they can contribute meaningfully to national development.
As more women take up leadership roles, their impact is becoming increasingly evident in journalism, governance, and various other fields, where their contributions are shaping policies, narratives, and societal progress.
On this International Women’s Day 2025, the NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its solidarity with women worldwide, celebrating their achievements and advocating for a future where leadership is truly inclusive and gender no longer serves as a limitation.
