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By Vivian Onyebukwa
The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has advocated empowerment of women through digital education, artificial intelligence and health equity.
This came at a one- day forum hosted by UNA-Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The high level forum was held at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Lagos under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action: Empowering women and girls through digital education, Al, and health equity’’.
The forum brought together dignitaries, policymakers, development experts, and civil society actors to reflect on progress made in advancing gender equality.
In his opening remarks, President of UNA-Nigeria, Professor Oluremi Olutimo affirmed that digital innovation and technology could bridge gender gaps, enhance access to opportunities, and promote women’s rights.
Olutimo described the gathering as part of a broader national awakening aimed at repositioning women and girls as active agents of change rather than passive beneficiaries.
He noted that the theme, ‘Rights, Justice and Action’, captured the urgency of ensuring that women are not only recognised legally but also empowered in practice. “We are celebrating women across the world, especially in Nigeria. We are passing a clear message that the right things must be done, justice must be served, and women must take action,” Prof. Olutimo said.
He noted that the initiative was also designed to encourage solidarity among women and strengthen collective responsibility.
Olutimo further stated that health equity remains a critical component of women’s empowerment, urging greater investment in healthcare systems, including the adoption of digital health solutions and artificial intelligence to improve maternal outcomes and reduce child mortality. “We inhabit a period marked by swift technological progress, where digital education and artificial intelligence are reshaping the modalities of learning, labour, and healthcare access. Nonetheless, substantial segments of women and girls still encounter significant barriers to these emerging opportunities. This situation necessitates not only reflection but also tangible intervention.”
He emphasised the need for all women and girls to have equitable access to education, technology, and healthcare, stating that justice calls for addressing and dismantling systemic obstacles that impede inclusion and equity.
He noted that action highlights the need to transition from discourse to deliberate and measurable initiatives that foster enduring improvement.
He however regretted that despite notable progress worldwide, gender-based disparities persist in access to education, digital resources, healthcare, and positions of influence.
He then called for stronger advocacy to prioritise the health needs of women and girls, maintaining that equitable access to healthcare should not be compromised.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Lagos, Mrs. Kaphaya Olayemi, stated that empowerment must go beyond rhetoric to actionable commitments that improve lives.
Citing the United Nations framework, she described gender equality as “the unfinished business of our time,” warning that persistent social and structural barriers continue to hinder progress.
Olayemi outlined key pillars necessary for advancing women’s rights, including legal protection, access to justice, economic inclusion, and institutional reforms. According to her, rights must not remain theoretical but must be reflected in everyday realities.
She highlighted several initiatives by the Lagos State Government aimed at bridging gender gaps, particularly in the digital economy. These include programmes designed to improve women’s access to financial services, digital tools, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support.
Also speaking, former Executive Director of the Nigerian Network of NGOs, Mrs. Yemisi Kuti, challenged women to take greater responsibility as drivers of societal transformation, stressing that empowerment must begin from the home through deliberate efforts to raise a generation grounded in values of respect, equity, and self-reliance.
She urged mothers and families to intentionally raise boys and girls with a strong sense of justice and mutual respect, noting that women are not victims but central actors in human development. “Equipping children with life skills, ethical values, and a culture of shared responsibility is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
In his remarks, a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Chika Nwaozuzu, called for urgent collaboration among governments, institutions, and individuals to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive participation in artificial intelligence and health systems.
He emphasised that while technology continues to shape the future, many people remain excluded; stressing the need for deliberate policies that ensure no one is left behind.
Secretary General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, Aziel Philippos Goulanddris commended UNA-Nigeria during his goodwill message, saying that the forum would positively impact the lives of women and girls in Nigeria.
There were two panel discussions during the event. The first panel as titled, “Digital Inclusion For Economic Empowerment”. It talked about right, justice, action, in the digital economy, AI, and career pathway for women and girls, while the second panel was tittles, “Health, Safety and Dignity”. The second panel dealt with right, justice, action for women well-being.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to some individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of society.
