By: Mojirade Magbagbeola, Director of Gender, NANS Osun State JCC Axis
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women while reflecting on the journey toward gender equality.
As we mark this year’s IWD, we acknowledge the remarkable women breaking barriers in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
However, we must also recognize the challenges that persist—gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal opportunities.
In Osun State, we are not just celebrating; we are taking action to create a future where every girl and woman can thrive.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Societies
Women are the backbone of progress. When women succeed, communities flourish.
As the Director of Gender for NANS Osun State JCC Axis, I strongly believe that education, leadership, and economic empowerment are key to ensuring that women have equal opportunities.
At NANS Osun, we are committed to driving change through strategic initiatives that uplift young women across campuses and communities.
Local Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment
1. Girls’ Leadership & Mentorship Program
We are launching a mentorship initiative to guide young female students in secondary schools and universities.
Through leadership workshops, career talks, and networking sessions, we will empower young women with the confidence and skills to step into leadership roles.
2. Gender-Based Violence Awareness & Support Campaign
Violence against women and girls remains a major issue, and we refuse to stay silent. This campaign will include:
✅ Educational programs on gender-based violence (GBV) in schools and communities
✅ Legal aid guidance and survivor support networks
✅ Self-defense training and safety awareness sessions
3. Women in STEM & Cybersecurity Initiative
As a Cybersecurity student, I am particularly passionate about increasing female participation in STEM fields, including tech and cybersecurity. This initiative will provide:
✅ Tech workshops for female students
✅ Scholarships and mentorship for young women in STEM
✅ Hackathons and innovation challenges to encourage more women to explore technology careers
4. Economic Empowerment for Female Students
Women’s financial independence is crucial. Through this initiative, we will support female student entrepreneurs by:
✅ Providing business training and mentorship
✅ Connecting student entrepreneurs to funding opportunities
✅ Organizing trade fairs to showcase women-owned businesses
5. Policy Advocacy for Gender Inclusion
We are actively engaging with student unions and university administrations to push for policies that create safe, inclusive spaces for female students, including:
✅ Stronger sexual harassment policies
✅ Equal representation of women in leadership positions
✅ The establishment of gender-focused student support offices
Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating women—it is a call to action. As students, activists, and change-makers, we must:
✔ Encourage and support women in leadership
✔ Speak out against gender-based discrimination
✔ Create safe and inclusive environments for women in education and workplaces
✔ Support women-owned businesses and female-led initiatives
Conclusion: A Call to Action
This International Women’s Day, let us go beyond words and take real action. Together, we can build a society where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. The time for change is now.
To all the young women breaking barriers and rewriting history, we celebrate you! Keep pushing, keep leading, and never stop believing in your power.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025!
#IWD2025 #WomenInLeadership #NANSOsun #GenderEquality #BreakTheBias
This version not only celebrates IWD but also highlights real, actionable steps in journey is taking to drive change.
