On March 8, 2024, I served as the Co-Convener of International Women’s Day (IWD) Program with the Nigerian Institute of international Affairs (NIIA). The program’s Convener, NIIA DG Dr. Eghosa Osaghae was unavoidably absent.  The amiable Professor Femi Otubanjo served as the Chairman of the occasion and invoked Dolly Parton’s popular song, Just Because I’m a Woman to illustrate the double standards applied to women around the world. Roughly 70 participants attended the International Women’s Day Program, the NIIA also live streamed the event https://bit.ly/iwdmarch2024.  The audience, which included Policy Analysts, Research Fellows, Gender Empowerment Advocates, Community Leaders and Diplomats, focused on issues related to gender equity, women’s rights, and leadership opportunities, especially for Nigerian women and girls.

The program featured the 2024 IWD Goodwill Message from the Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, followed by the Roundtable Panel on the Rights of Women in 21^st Century Nigeria, a robust policy discussed.

In my opening remarks Women’s Empowerment and the Five Is, I challenged participants to co-create innovative partnerships that are:

·      International

·      Intersectional

·      Intergenerational

·      Inclusive

·      Inspirational

Explaining the significance of each of the Five Is, I recounted the story of the wise woman who counseled us to “think globally and act locally.” I urged Nigerians to make common cause with international stakeholders to improve the life prospects of women and girls. I emphasized the need for an intersectional analysis to tackle the toxins of sexism, misogyny, patriarchy as well as racism, noting that these are interlocking systems of exploitation and control. Next, I encouraged the audience to work intergenerationally as the structural impediments to full equality are deeply entrenched. Indeed, I firmly believe it will take long-term concerted efforts to dislodge and uproot these complex systems. Drawing upon my doctoral research on Generative Leadership, I urged participants to be fiercely inclusive, propagating a culture of belonging that fosters community cohesion and international understanding.  In addition, I enjoined the participants to seek inspiration to sustain them on this journey which is long and often daunting.

Finally, directing my remarks to the Research Assistants, I admonished them to respect epistemological diversity and co-generate new knowledge to address the complex systemic challenges we face.  Stay tuned for more exciting news from the 2024 IWD Program.