The Nigeria IWD Awards Gala 2023: Embrace Equity

The second edition of the International Women's Day (IWD) Awards Gala which took place last Saturday, February 18th, was indeed a day to remember.

Convened by UN Women and UNDP in partnership with the British High Commission, the European Union Delegation and the Embassies of France, Germany, the United States of America and Democratic Republic of Congo, the 2023 International Women's Day (IWD) Awards Gala placed emphasis on the importance of male allyship in advancing gender equality by recognising the contributions of key male allies through the newly introduced HeForShe Award.

The Gala aims to increase the visibility of examplary Nigerian women as well as recognize their achievements; advocate for increased women’s political representation; and incentivize change by publicly recognizing women’s empowerment champions.

The Gala celebrates extraordinary Nigeria women who are breaking glass ceilings and advancing women inclusion in the economic, political, social, and cultural sectors of the country.

International artiste ASA, thrilled guests with a superlative performance.

High- level guests at the event included representatives from UN Women, UNDP and the Women Ambassadors of the British High Commission, US Embassy, France Embassy, German Embassy, Australian Embassy, and the European Union Delegation.

Ambassadors Mary Beth Leonard (USA) and Emmanuelle BLATTMANN (France), Dr. Obiageli (Oby) Ezekwesili, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Chief Mrs Nike Davies-Okundaye were some of the high profile guests who graced the event.

Prestigious awards were presented across categories such as Political Leadership and Governance; Private Sector; Grassroots and Civil Society; Media and Entertainment; HeForShechampion; Feature Award: DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality; and Outstanding Woman Leader. HE Pauline Tallen and Kemi Adetiba were among the recipients of the awards.

Renowned comedian/compère, Chigurl, was on hand to liven up the event.

Ably represented by our Founder/CEO, Marvella Odili, the event gave her the opportunity to renew old ties and network with high-level guests.

As this year's theme is #EmbraceEquity with the UN theme focused on "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality", let's all continue to be advocates for progressive gender representation for a more equitable society where gender equality is not just a topic for discussion but engrained in every society's DNA as part of our existential substance. As they say, the future is female and the future is NOW!