Sanwo-Olu pledges to take steps to promote women's participation and financial independence

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has underscored the state's unwavering dedication to safeguarding women's rights, upholding justice, and fostering economic empowerment, with a strict zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice.

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The governor made this declaration on Tuesday during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos, which was themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls” and featured the #GiveToGain campaign.

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This event, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island, and served as a platform for the governor to emphasize the need for tangible outcomes in promoting women's rights.

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Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos aligns with the global theme, noting that women's rights in the state are enshrined in the constitution, and that justice must be accessible, timely, and centred on the needs of survivors.

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The governor asserted that continuous and institutionalised action is necessary, as sustainable growth is impossible when half the population is denied opportunities, safety, or a voice.

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Sanwo-Olu highlighted that gender inclusion is a core component of the state's development blueprint under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, which includes ongoing efforts to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to combat gender-based violence, child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

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

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He outlined various 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.

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Sanwo-Olu described these initiatives as strategic economic decisions, rather than charitable efforts, emphasizing that the #GiveToGain campaign is rooted in the principle that investing in women yields measurable social and economic returns.

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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 merely symbolic celebration.

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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.

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Dada stated that poverty remains one of the greatest threats to women's autonomy, as a woman without income is more vulnerable to abuse, exclusion, and dependency.

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