IWD 2026: NCC celebrates womenfolk, advocates digital gender inclusion and equity

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, at the commemoration of 2026 International Women’s Day, urges stakeholders to keep bridging the digital divide, empowering women and girls to thrive in a connected world by rallying support for greater female inclusion in the ever expanding digital space

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the global community rallies to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment, and bridging the digital gender divide in the ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC along Nigerians. leaders, organisations, and other stakeholders March 8 marked the International Women’s Day 2026 in the West African country.

The International Women’s Day typically celebrates the social, economic and political achievements of women, while drawing attention to barriers that hinder their progress.

The theme of the 2026 is: “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”.

It is said to be part of Nigeria’s efforts at ensuring improved Broadband connectivity, Internet access and digital literacy.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission, in a congratulatory message to womenfolk, also emphasised the pivotal role of women in the country digital space.

The NCC stated: “Let’s keep bridging the digital divide and empowering women to thrive in a connected world!”

Rallying further support for greater female inclusion in the digital space, the Commission noted that the initiative underscores its ongoing efforts under the theme, “Empowering Women, Connecting Nigeria”.

The telecoms regulator said the women-oriented initiative aimed to equip them with the tools and opportunities needed to excel in technology and beyond in the Nigerian economy.

The NCC’s programme reportedly comes amid increasing calls for gender parity in the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

It is equally noted that women have continued to drive innovation despite persistent barriers in the digital ecosystem.

At the commemoration of this year’s IWD, global leaders, organisations, governments, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as well urged greater inclusion, gender equality and justice.

It was also gathered that several global leaders, governments, CSOs, and professional organisations  had intensified calls for a stronger action to promote gender equality, justice and inclusion.

Their concerns are rooted in the fact that women world over continue to face discrimination, limited access to opportunities and under-representation in leadership and governance.

UN’s Guterres: Women enjoy only 64 percent of legal rights worldwide

Setting the tone for the 2026 IWD celebration in the global arena, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres warned that gender inequality has remained one of the most pressing human rights challenges globally.

Guterres noted that women enjoy only about 64 percent of the legal rights available to men worldwide, leaving millions of them vulnerable to discrimination in critical aspects of life, agency report said.

The UN Secretary-General observed that in several countries, women still faced restrictions that prevent them from owning property, seeking divorce, or taking employment without spousal consent.

He also stated: “In more than 40 countries, marital rape is not recognised as a crime.

“Other laws restrict women’s access to education, their ability to pass citizenship to their children or even their freedom of movement outside the home.”

Even where laws exist to protect women, the UN Chief said weak enforcement and discrimination had continued to limit women’s access to justice and legal support.

Guterres, therefore, cautioned that some recorded gains in advancing women’s rights are under threat amid political instability, socio-economic dislocations, and growing attempts to reinforce patriarchal structures.

“Many of these unjust laws have been on the books for centuries.

“But today we are also witnessing a dangerous new trend.

“Amid rising authoritarianism and political instability, hard-won advances are being rolled back -from fairer work protections to sexual and reproductive rights,” he said.

Guterres as well urged governments and stakeholders across the globe to intensify efforts at dismantling discriminatory laws and defend progress already achieved.

He averred: “We must unite to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda.

“By fighting discriminatory laws and practices, and defending the progress already achieved, we can ensure the dignity, opportunity and freedom all women deserve.

“When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls everywhere.”

Kindly Share This Story