Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola, Chairperson of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’27), a support group for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection has extended her warm greetings to women across the globe including those in Nigeria to celebrate the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day (IWD).
As a renowned advocate for women’s empowerment and education, Kemi emphasizes the importance of gender equality and supporting women’s advancement. Her initiatives have made a significant impact on Nigerian communities, particularly in empowering young/old women and promoting family values, national growth and cohesion.
She’s again this year joining other influential women and global organizations in commemorating women’s achievements and advocating for continued progress towards a more equitable and just society. For her March 8, of every year is special and must be uniquely dedicated to honor and push every agenda that caters to the interest and advancement of girl-child and female gender as a whole, irrespective of their age, status or background.
A statement credited to her which was made available to both local and international media on Thursday underscores the significance of IWD 2026, themed “Give to Gain”
Her words, “It is remarkably important and necessary to specifically focus on gender inclusion and economic empowerment for the women across the globe and my sincere appreciation goes to all well meaning individuals who support women’s causes and protect their dignity and rights at workplace and in community. More pointedly, the story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights and this resolve must never be compromised. Governments at local, sub-national and national levels must embrace gender-friendly legislation to give women their place of pride where necessary and applicable.
“While I acknowledge the challenges faced by women, including socio-economic factors and vulnerability, I must also encourage them to remain resilient and focused on their goal. However and impressively the 2026 theme did greater justice to the advocacy for women empowerment, tagged “Give to Gain.”
“As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s success, and more, are necessary ingredients that underscores the essence of 2026 IWD theme. Sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is also key and must never be underestimated. Everyday, everywhere, we all have to actively give our support to gain gender equality and when we give, we must give from the heart, giving requires open hearts and minds. It also reinforces a sense of connection and purpose. This creates an important ripple effect for spreading positive and rewarding impact.
“This is equally a clarion call for all stakeholders never to rest on their oars in deepening and promoting gender equality, put an end to abduction of girls in some part of Nigeria, improve education and healthcare for women and girls among other important things.
“Permit me to use this medium to reachout and appeal to all stakeholders in joining the call-to-action for all IWD events to incorporate an element of women-focused fundraising. These well curated IWD events should deliberately provide a useful opportunity for organizations in the IWD, giving ecosystem to raise awareness, showcase impact, and call for donations. IWD event managers at large worldwide, nonprofits to local grassroots groups should further increase commitment to invite nonprofit speakers and guests, exhibit nonprofit displays, distribute nonprofit resources, and establish ongoing giving to attain significant feats with purpose-driven paradigm shift.
“I am also using this opportunity most humbly, to encourage others to give within their own spheres of influence by sharing IWD “Give To Gain” image and statement across traditional and social media throughout the year using the #GiveToGain hashtag.
“It won’t also be out of place for groups or organizations to mark 2026 IWD in whatever manner they deem most relevant, engaging, and impactful for their specific context, objectives, and audiences. IWD is about gender equality in all its forms. For some, IWD is about fighting for women’s rights. For others, IWD is about reinforcing key commitments, while for some, IWD is about celebrating success. And for others, IWD means festive gatherings and parties. Whatever choices are made, all choices matter, and all choices are valid. All activity helps contribute to, and forms part of, the thriving global IWD movement that is focused on gender equality. IWD is a truly inclusive, diverse, and eclectic moment of impact worldwide and thankfully Nigeria is identified with its generic essence and milestones in the comity of nations.
“Together, let’s “Give To Gain” for gender equality. May God bless us all and happy anniversary”
