International Women’s Day 2026: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls

FAME Foundation joins the global community to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The theme is a reminder that while progress has been made, women and girls across the world continue to face systemic barriers that deny them equal rights, justice, safety, and opportunity.

Speaking to the press, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, described International Women’s Day as more than a celebration, but a time of accountability and renewed commitment;

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that gender equality is not a favor, it is a fundamental human right. When women’s rights are ignored, justice becomes selective. And when justice is selective, society as a whole suffers.”

She explained that the 2026 theme aligns strongly with FAME Foundation’s mission of using practical, community-based action to address inequality;

“This year’s theme calls for action, not just conversation. It challenges governments, institutions, and civil society to move beyond statements and properly dismantle the structures that continue to exclude women and girls.”

One of the major highlights of FAME Foundation’s International Women’s Day activities is its Annual Women’s Day Football Tournament, one of the biggest women-centered events in Nigeria.

This year’s tournament will feature 13 teams representing different organizations in Nigeria, including teams from the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), FAME Foundation, FIDA, Bet9ja Foundation, NRS, CORE, ASWHAN, Pro Social, NCWS, Internally Displaced Persons (Women), and Team Unity. The friendly competition provides a platform where women from different sectors can connect, collaborate, and celebrate solidarity through sport.

Arabinrin Aderonke said,

“The football tournament was created to use sport as a tool to bring women together across social, economic, and professional settings. Football has a unique way of breaking barriers. On the pitch, titles disappear. What remains is teamwork, confidence, leadership, and solidarity, the same values women need to claim their space in society.”

Beyond the matches, this year’s event will also feature an entrepreneurial exhibition, where six (6) women entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services, creating opportunities to support women-led businesses and promote economic empowerment.

The program will also include an educational segment, featuring a speaker who will address the topic: “Dismantling Barriers, Empowering Generations: A Path to Equal Rights for Women and Girls in Nigeria.” The session will encourage dialogue on gender equality and highlight practical pathways for advancing the rights of women and girls.

In addition, FAME Foundation will host a health-focused side event, including the provision and distribution of male condoms alongside age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health educational materials and other Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) resources for participants and attendees. Oral hygiene checks and health awareness activities will also be provided during the event to promote overall wellbeing.

She stated;

“Our annual International Women’s Day tournament has never been just about football. It is about visibility, letting women be seen, heard, celebrated, and supported in a space where they are often underrepresented.”

She continued by saying;

“Every year, we ask ourselves one question: how can this platform do more for women? Whether it’s access to health services, building confidence, or simply creating joy and connection, our goal is to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.”

She concluded by stating that International Women’s Day must continue to serve as a call to sustained action beyond March 8.

“Rights, justice, and action must not end with a single day. They must guide how we design policies, build communities, and treat women and girls every single day.”