Wikimedia Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, and other stakeholders on Tuesday March 11, 2025 commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD) , in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event was aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and amplifying their voices in national development.
Speaking on the essence of the event, President of Wikimedia Nigeria, Mr. Olaniyan Olushola, emphasized the importance of giving underrepresented women a platform to share their stories. “Commemorating IWD is about elevating the voices of women whose stories need to be heard. Through strategic content creation, we document their journeys, highlighting women who have excelled in their careers and ensuring their inspiring stories are accessible to the world,” he said.
He noted that since its inception in 2018, Wikimedia Nigeria has been committed to enhancing the visibility of Nigerian women by creating accurate and empowering narratives.
Senior Special Assistant on Establishments and Training to the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Atanda, stressed the need for economic inclusion and financial equity.
She encouraged women to strive for excellence, acquire relevant 21st-century skills, and uplift others in their chosen careers. “Merit should always come first. Women must be prepared, equipped, and ready to support one another for collective progress,” she said.
On his part, the Programme Director at Wikimedia Nigeria, Ayokanmi Oyeyemi, highlighted the need to break gender stereotypes on platforms like Wikipedia. “Currently, only about 20% of women are represented on Wikipedia. This gathering is about encouraging more women to document their stories, ensuring greater representation and inspiring others,” he explained.
Oyeyemi added that the forum provides an opportunity for women leaders and stakeholders to emphasize the importance of visibility and representation in shaping national development.
As part of the IWD celebration, Wikimedia Nigeria had organized a two-day training for female journalists on March 6–7, 2025. The training focused on enhancing digital visibility, teaching participants how to create and edit content on Wikipedia through Wikidata.
In her speech, Chairperson of Lagos NAWOJ, Dr. Adeola Ekine, underscored the Association’s commitment to advocating for women’s rights and well-being.
Ekine who was represented by the NAWOJ Treasurer, Olawunmi Shittu, mentioned that NAWOJ has championed campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding, combating sexual and domestic violence, and raising awareness about cholera and infectious diseases. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we organized virtual workshops to empower our members with handcraft skills. We also trained newcomers on journalistic ethics while ensuring their welfare is prioritized,” she said.
She added that members were educated on leveraging digital platforms to maximize opportunities, including filling gaps on Wikipedia by highlighting the stories of women excelling in various fields.
Mrs. Aiki Odiawa from Women Radio emphasized the organization’s role in advocating for women’s participation in governance. She decried the low representation of women in political offices—currently less than 30%—and called for grassroots campaigns to encourage women’s involvement in electoral processes. “We also urge men to support women in their professional and personal pursuits, offering guidance that will help them succeed,” she said.
Gender Advocate, Mrs. Korede Demola-Adeniyi, stressed the need for financial empowerment and mentorship for young women and girls. She emphasized that success comes through hard work and dedication, even when it seems unnoticed. “Empowered women empower others, and it’s important that we lift one another to create a stronger society,” she noted.
Mr. Frederick Ahsberg, Head of Political Affairs at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja, underscored the importance of partnerships in amplifying women’s voices.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Founder of Africa Soft Power Group, and Mrs. Omolayo Ogunsiji, Executive Director of Wikimedia Nigeria. Mrs. Ogunsiji reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring women are represented not just on Wikimedia but in all spheres of life.
This year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes women’s leadership and digital empowerment, reinforcing the global call for gender equality and inclusivity.
