Accelerate Action: Moving Beyond Affirmative Action for True Gender Equality In Nigeria, Affirmative Action has been a pivotal policy tool aimed at addressing historical gender imbalances, particularly in governance and public service. The National Gender Policy (NGP), established in 2006, advocates for a 35% representation of women in all governance processes. This policy underscores the nation’s commitment to creating an inclusive political landscape where women have equitable opportunities to influence decision-making. Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a moment of both celebration and reflection. The theme for 2025, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent and tangible steps toward gender equality. While Affirmative Action has paved the way for inclusivity, policies alone are not enough. To truly accelerate action, we must push for stronger policies, greater leadership representation, and increased economic empowerment for women.

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women

To bridge this gap, Smart Aid Initiative is actively working to uplift young girls and women, equipping them with the confidence and platform to amplify their voices. We believe that true empowerment comes from: Creating opportunities Challenging societal norms Ensuring women are included—not just in workplaces, but in leadership roles In our commitment to Accelerate Action, we are ensuring more women step into decision-making positions. This Smart Aid initiative aims at pushing women forward and breaking barriers that limit their progress. Moving Beyond Affirmative Action While Affirmative Action policies in Nigeria have laid the groundwork for gender equality there is a pressing need to accelerate action through: ✅ Effective implementation of policies 📢 Continuous advocacy 🚧 Dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in leadership and public life A Call to Action At Smart Aid Initiative, we believe in the power of collective action to push for change. This International Women’s Day, we call on policymakers, businesses, and individuals to go beyond celebration and take bold steps in ensuring that Affirmative Action is not just a goal, but a reality. Change begins with action. Change begins with you and me. Together, we can make a difference. Will you be part of the change?