IWD 2026: NUJ FCT Chairman Calls For Increased Investment In Women

The chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, has called for deliberate investment in women through education, mentorship, opportunities and resources, saying such efforts would strengthen families, institutions and society at large.

Ike made the call in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day themed: “Give To Gain.”

She said the theme serves as a reminder that empowering women yields far-reaching benefits beyond individuals.

“The 2026 theme : ‘Give To Gain,’ is a powerful reminder that when we intentionally invest in women—through education, mentorship, opportunity, and resources—we are not merely supporting individuals; we are strengthening families, communities, institutions, and nations,” she said.

The NUJ FCT chairman noted that the celebration was particularly significant for her as the first female chairman of the council, describing her emergence as evidence of the possibilities that open up when women are given opportunities to lead.

“As the first female chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT Council, I stand on the shoulders of many courageous women who broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and refused to accept limitations placed on their dreams,” she said.

According to Ike, the empowerment of women creates positive ripple effects across sectors, including journalism, governance and public discourse.

“When women are empowered, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual. Newsrooms become more inclusive, storytelling becomes richer, governance becomes more responsive, and societies become more just,” she stated.

She commended female journalists across Nigeria for their resilience and professionalism, noting that many have continued to break new ground in the media industry.

However, she stressed that celebrating women must go beyond symbolic recognition to practical actions that support their advancement.

“We must deliberately mentor young female journalists, create safe and supportive workplaces, provide leadership opportunities, and ensure that women’s voices are heard in decision-making spaces. These are the investments that will yield the greatest returns for the profession and for society,” she said.

Ike also referenced the global call by the United Nations for “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” urging governments, institutions and communities to remove barriers that limit women’s progress.

“Governments, institutions, media organisations, and communities must work together to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s progress,” she said.

She further praised women within the NUJ and the broader FCT media community for their dedication and contributions to journalism.

The NUJ FCT chairman urged stakeholders to expand opportunities for women, noting that societies benefit when women are empowered.

“Let us recommit ourselves to giving more opportunities, more support, more mentorship, and more recognition to women, because when women rise, journalism rises, our communities thrive, and our nation grows stronger,” she said.

She concluded by reiterating that investing in women ultimately benefits society.