International Women’s Day in Benue opened with an interdenominational church service at the Government House Chapel, bringing together civil-society organisations, faith leaders and public officials on 8 March 2026.
OWACDO Executive Director Dr Joy Aricha Ijuwo attended with members of staff, demonstrating the organisation’s support for a collective approach to women’s rights, dignity and wellbeing.
A shared reflection on women’s empowerment
The service created space to reflect on the importance of gender equality and the contribution women make to families, institutions and communities. Participants also prayed for women, families and the nation.
Faith gatherings can influence how communities understand justice and dignity. When religious and civic leaders speak clearly about women’s equality, they help challenge the idea that discrimination or exclusion should be treated as normal.
Women leaders make progress visible
Dignitaries included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Theresa Odachi Ikwue, and Benue State’s first female Secretary to the State Government, alongside other stakeholders. Their presence made women’s public leadership visible to participants.
Representation matters because girls and younger women need to see leadership as a realistic path. At the same time, symbolic progress must be matched by continued investment in education, health, safety, livelihoods and meaningful participation.
Carrying the message beyond one day
International Women’s Day is a useful point of reflection, but equality depends on everyday choices and sustained programmes. OWACDO continues to work with communities and partners to improve the conditions in which women and girls can exercise their rights.
The opening service set a collaborative tone for the commemoration and reaffirmed that advancing women’s wellbeing is a responsibility shared across government, faith institutions, civil society and families.