CELEBRATING WOMEN 2026

It was a vibrant day at Government Science School, Lafia, Nigeria, as Young African Leaders Initiative-YALI Nasarawa State, in partnership with Sarvion Alliance & PefCares, MHMC, Girls and Books Initiative, Nigerian Youth Parliament, and Impact Forge, hosted a powerful celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. The theme, “Rights, Justice, Action: For all Women and Girls,” set the tone for a day of inspiration and empowerment.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring two esteemed female panelists who shared their insights on promoting gender equality and justice. They emphasized the need for practical steps to guarantee women’s rights, safety, and opportunities, especially in Africa, where gender-based violence and femicide are alarmingly high.

The panelists also stressed the importance of women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes, citing the stark power gap in African countries where women occupy only 3.9% of parliamentary seats. They urged young women to take deliberate steps to mentor others, build communities, and expand their influence in innovation and leadership.

The event was a testament to the commitment of YALI and its partners to advancing women’s rights and empowerment in Africa.