IWD 2026: Project Alert Celebrates Women with Call for Collective Action 

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Summary: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Project Alert on Violence Against Women collectively advocates for equality for women’s rights. It released four publications to address gender-based violence against women. 

In commemoration of the 2026  International Women’s Day (IWD), Project Alert on Violence Against Women has called for stronger collective action to address persistent inequalities and violence faced by women and girls in Nigeria.

In a press release marking the global women’s celebration, the advocacy organisation stated that this year’s commemoration is a critical moment for women and girls in Nigeria and across the world, despite progress recorded in education, representation and advocacy.

According to the group, women continue to experience structural inequalities, gender-based violence, economic marginalisation and political exclusion. It noted that cases of sexual abuse and abductions occur in both conflict and non-conflict zones, while many women still face barriers in political participation and access to basic healthcare.

The organisation linked its call to the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” which encourages collaboration, generosity and collective progress toward gender equality. Project Alert explained that the theme emphasises how acts of giving, such as sharing knowledge, solidarity and resources, can create pathways to justice, equality and empowerment for women.

The organisation also noted that Nigerian women are increasingly demanding dignity, equal opportunities and representation across all sectors. It added that societies that respect the dignity of women and girls and provide opportunities for them to grow economically and politically ultimately benefit from inclusive development.

It called on governments, institutions and communities to ensure women’s rights are promoted and protected, while urging stakeholders to guarantee access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence and their families, while strengthening collective efforts to end abuse.

Additionally, the advocacy organisation announced the release of four landmark publications to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026. The publications are centred on advanced research, awareness and response to gender-based violence. They include: Beacon of Hope (Volume 2),  How to Guide: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Programming in Schools; No Safe Haven, and the Project Alert Strategic Plan 2025–2029. 

According to the organisation, the publications are intended to amplify survivors’ voices, improve prevention strategies and strengthen institutional responses to violence against women and girls.

“As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, Project Alert reaffirms its pledge to continue giving time, access, resources, opportunities, training, mentoring and support services to gain gender equality for women and girls,” the organisation said.

It added that while the journey toward gender equality remains long, the principle behind the theme remains clear: “When we give, we gain. We gain justice. We gain equality. We gain a fairer world for all women and girls.”