Sanwo-Olu vows action on women’s p and economic empowerment

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting women’s rights, ensuring justice, and promoting economic empowerment, with zero tolerance for gender-based injustice.

Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls” and the #GiveToGain campaign, the governor stressed the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to measurable outcomes. The event was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos aligns with the global theme, noting that women’s rights in the state are constitutional obligations, and that justice must be accessible, timely, and survivor-centred.

“Action must be continuous and institutionalised. Sustainable growth cannot occur where half the population is denied opportunity, safety, or voice,” he said.

The governor highlighted that gender inclusion is central to the state’s development blueprint under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, with ongoing efforts to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to combat gender-based violence, child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

He also noted that Lagos has invested in survivor support systems, legal enforcement mechanisms, and social protection structures aimed at restoring dignity and holding offenders accountable.

Sanwo-Olu outlined interventions by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, including expanded skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, social protection initiatives, and increased female participation in governance.

“These are not charity efforts; they are strategic economic decisions. The #GiveToGain campaign is rooted in the principle that investment in women yields measurable social and economic returns,” he said.

The governor urged public officials, private sector stakeholders, and communities to strengthen systems that promote inclusion and accountability, emphasizing that International Women’s Day should drive structural change rather than symbolic celebration.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, described the event as a reinforcement of governance priorities, noting intensified efforts to protect women through domestic and sexual violence response systems, shelters, psychosocial support services, and collaboration with the judiciary and law enforcement.

“Poverty remains one of the greatest threats to women’s autonomy. A woman without income is more vulnerable to abuse, exclusion, and dependency,” Dada said.

She reiterated that the #GiveToGain campaign reflects a shared responsibility among government, the private sector, and society to expand opportunities for women and girls.

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