IWD 2026: Policy Group Urges Strategic Investment In Women, Girls

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain,” policy advocacy organisation Policy House has called on governments at all levels to prioritise sustained investment in women and girls as a pathway to inclusive national development.

The group urged increased funding for early childhood education for girls, improved protection and retention of female students in schools, and expanded support for vocational and skills development programmes.

According to Policy House, these interventions are particularly critical in northern Nigeria, where access to formal education for girls remains limited.

The organisation also advocated stronger social protection measures, including improved maternal and child healthcare services, welfare programmes for children aged between zero and five years, and better access to healthcare for persons living with disabilities.

In addition, the group recommended that fiscal savings arising from the removal of fuel subsidies be channelled into programmes that directly support citizens.

These, it said, should include investment in public transportation, single-digit interest financing for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), support for agricultural value chains, subsidised essential medicines and strengthened primary healthcare systems nationwide.

Policy House emphasised that empowering women is essential for sustainable economic and social progress.

“Investing in women is not charity—it is smart policy. When women gain, nations prosper,” the organisation stated.