“Empowering women is not simply a moral obligation–it is an economic and social necessity.” These were the words of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF) Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye at this year’s celebration of International Women Day, (IWD) organized by the Trade Union Congress Women Commission in Abuja, Wednesday.
Barrister Faleye who was the special guest of honour at the event described the theme of the 2026 commemoration, “Empowering Women: The Path to Equal Rights and Social Justice,” as “both timely and significant.”
“When women are empowered with equal opportunities, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protection, societies become more stronger and economies grow more resilient.” He submitted.
The NSITF boss commended the Women Commission for consistency in championing the “cause of women within the labour movement and doe creating a platform that amplifies the voices, concerns, and aspirations of women across our workplaces and communities.’
Barrister Faleye, while acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian women to national development, however, lamented that many women still faced barriers limiting their access to opportunities. He affirmed the Fund’s commitment to promoting a safe workplace for women and all workers.
The MD urged a reaffirmation of commitment by stakeholders to “building a future where every woman has opportunity to work in a safe environment, earn a fair income, and participate fully in decision-making processes that shaped our economy and society.”
In his address at the occasion, the President-General of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo, agreed with Barrister Faleye as he noted that, “Women remain pivotal contributors to our workplaces, our communities, and our nation’s progress.’
He likewise rued the inequalities facing women even as he revealed that the TUC had taken bold steps to end inequalities and institutionalize gender inclusion.
In the same vein, Dr. Vanessa Phala Moyo, Country Director for International Labour Organization, (ILO) in Nigeria states that “International Women Day offers the world an annual opportunity to recognise women’s achievements, confront persistent inequalities, and reaffirm our collective commitment to social justice.”
She called attention to “structural barriers that continued to hinder women’s full enjoyment of rights in the world of work”, which she said, should call all to action.
Comrade Esther Saabe Ahmadu, Chairperson, TUC Nigeria Women Commission summed up, “As we reflect on the struggles and triumph of women across the globe, it is clear that while we have come a long way, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are not only seen and heard but also empowered in every sphere of life.”
The occasion had in attendance labour leaders, women leaders, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other stakeholders.
