Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
FAME Foundation has joined the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The organisation called for renewed commitment to breaking barriers that continue to deny women and girls equal rights, justice, safety and opportunity.
Speaking in Abuja, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Aderonke Atoyebi, described the annual celebration as a moment for reflection, accountability and renewed advocacy.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that gender equality is not a favor, it is a fundamental human right,” Atoyebi said. “When women’s rights are ignored, justice becomes selective. And when justice is selective, society as a whole suffers.”
She explained that this year’s theme reflects FAME Foundation’s mission to create practical, community-driven solutions that promote equality and inclusion.
“This year’s theme calls for action, not just conversation,” she added. “It challenges governments, institutions, and civil society to move beyond statements and properly dismantle the structures that continue to exclude women and girls.”
A major highlight of the organisation’s celebration is its Annual Women’s Day Football Tournament, one of Nigeria’s largest women-centred sporting events. The 2026 edition will feature 13 teams representing various organisations, including the National Union of Teachers (NUT), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), FIDA, Bet9ja Foundation, ASWHAN, NCWS and a team of Internally Displaced Women, among others.
Atoyebi said the football tournament was designed to use sport as a bridge for empowerment and connection.
Other News
“The football tournament was created to use sport as a tool to bring women together across social, economic, and professional settings,” she said. “Football has a unique way of breaking barriers. On the pitch, titles disappear—what remains is teamwork, confidence, leadership, and solidarity.”
Beyond sports, FAME Foundation will also host an entrepreneurial exhibition where six women entrepreneurs will present their products and services, promoting visibility for women-led businesses and economic empowerment.
The event will feature an educational segment on the theme “Dismantling Barriers, Empowering Generations: A Path to Equal Rights for Women and Girls in Nigeria,” aimed at inspiring dialogue and practical strategies for achieving gender equity.
Additionally, the organisation will hold a health-focused outreach, which includes distribution of male condoms, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health materials, and oral hygiene checks for participants. The session will also provide health education and awareness to promote overall wellbeing.
“Our annual International Women’s Day tournament has never been just about football,” Atoyebi emphasized. “It is about visibility, letting women be seen, heard, celebrated, and supported in a space where they are often underrepresented.”
“Every year, we ask ourselves one question: how can this platform do more for women? Whether it’s access to health services, building confidence, or simply creating joy and connection, our goal is to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”
Atoyebi concluded by urging all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of International Women’s Day beyond March 8.
“Rights, justice, and action must not end with a single day,” she said. “They must guide how we design policies, build communities, and treat women and girls every single day.”
