International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD) comes at acritical momentfor women and girls in Nigeria and across the world. While progress has been made in education, representation, and advocacy, women continue to face structural inequalities, gender-based violence, economic and political exclusion, and insecurity. From sexual abuse and abductions in conflict and non-conflict zones to barriers in political participation and access to basic health support, the challenges remain urgent, deeply entrenched and requiring all hands to be on deck. Therein lies the importance of this year’s IWD theme – Give to Gain. It encourages a mindset of generosity, collaboration and collective progress.
Give to Gain reminds us that every act of giving—whether knowledge, solidarity, or resources— creates pathways to justice, equality, and empowerment. At Project Alert on Violence Against Women, this principle has guided our work for 27 years. We have always given our best in research, documentation, advocacy, and practical support services to gain social justice for women. The open palm, symbolizing truth, honesty, and openness, reflects our core values and our unwavering commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
Today, Nigerianwomen are demanding dignity, opportunities and representation in every sphere from educational institutions, to workplaces, and in public life and decisionmaking. A society that respects the dignity of the human person, most especially women and girls; and provides opportunities for them to grow and thrive economically and politically, benefits greatly. Giving is an intentional multiplication, a mindset shift towards accelerating gender equality. It is a call for ALL to rally around to ensure the rights of women are promoted and protected; that access to justice for victims/survivors and their families are guaranteed; and collective action is taken.
In commemoration of IWD26, Project Alert is giving to gain by presenting four landmark publications:
· Beacon of Hope (Volume 2) – advancing knowledge and strengthening pathways to justice.
· How to Guide: Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Programming in Schools
· No Safe Haven – documenting reported cases of abuse against women and girls, ensuring their stories are not silenced.
· Project Alert Strategic Plan 2025–2029 – charting our organizational vision for the next five years.
Thesepublicationsarenot justdocuments;theyaretoolsof empowerment, designedto promote knowledge, prevent abuse, and strengthen advocacy.
We call on government, institutions, and individuals to embrace the theme Give to Gain: · Give your voice to challenge discriminatory laws and harmful norms.
· Give your resources to shelters, legal aid, and educational programs for women and girls. · Give your time to mentor and support women and young girls.
· Give solidarity to survivors of violence, ensuring they are not silenced.
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, Project Alert reaffirms its pledge: to continue giving time, access, resources, opportunities, training, mentoring, and support services to gain gender equality for women and girls. The journey is long, but the principle is clear—when we give, we gain. We gain justice. We gain equality. We gain a fairer world for all women and girls.
Project Alert on Violence Against Women and Girls is a leading Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls through advocacy, research, legal support, and survivor-centered interventions across Nigeria. Projectalert@projectalertnig.org
0707 046 7832, 0818 009 1072
