The Nigeria IWD Awards Gala 2022

International Women's Day is celebrated annually to highlight the contributions of women to the world's development. 

On March 5th, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, European Union, British High Commission, and the Embassies of the United States of America, Germany and France came together in partnership to host the first ever Nigeria’s International Women’s Day Awards Gala. 

The Awards aim to serve as an incentive to leaders in different sectors to make concerted efforts in creating more opportunities for women and strive to ensure gender equality.

In a statement issued by the UNDP office in Nigeria, “The International Women’s Day Gala and Awards seeks to leverage the opportunity of the representation of 11 key countries in Nigeria by women Ambassadors to advocate for increased women representation in political and governance space, incentivise change by publicly recognising women empowerment champions, encourage decision-makers and policy makers to ensure adequate space is created for women in the spheres of policy and decision making and advance women’s political and socio-economic empowerment.”

In addition to having women in senior positions in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, Nigeria also presently has women ambassadors in: Benin, Burundi, Colombia, Cuba, European Union, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Nigerian artiste, Cobhams Asuquo (middle)

Nigerian artiste Omawunmi (Omawonder) on stage

Our Founder/CEO, Marvella Odili, was a guest at this high-level International Women's Day Awards Gala where people from top government positions, Ambassadors, civil society and internationally recognized individuals including Chimamanda Adichie and Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye graced the event.

Marvella Odili, Founder/CEO, Save Our Needy

Marvella Odili(L) with Chimamanda Adichie

Marvella Odili (L) with Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye

The awards celebrated Champions in promoting women’s leadership and gender equality in Nigeria. It recognized achievements by individuals and institutions across categories of: Political Leadership & Governance,  Private Sector, Arts & Culture,  Media & Entertainment, Civil Society as well as a Feature Award on the 2022 IWD theme: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow as well as a Most Inspiring/Outstanding Woman Leader Award.