Women’s Leadership Takes Centre Stage as NCWS Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Democracy

PRESS STATEMENT

Abuja, Nigeria | November 13, 2026

The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s leadership, strengthening democratic participation and advancing peace and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

This commitment was reiterated at the maiden Nigerian Women Peace, Democracy Summit and Awards 2026, held on Friday, November 13, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, under the theme: “Women as Catalysts for Peace, Democracy and Inclusive Governance.”

The landmark gathering brought together over 3,000 women leaders, policymakers, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to examine the strategic role of women in promoting national unity, democratic stability, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Speaking at the summit, the NCWS National President, Edna D.D. Azura, described the gathering as a strategic platform for repositioning Nigerian women as active contributors to democratic governance and national development, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

She emphasised that women must move beyond being regarded as beneficiaries of democracy to becoming active participants in leadership, policy formulation and decision-making.

According to her, the summit provided an opportunity for women across political, ethnic, religious and generational divides to build common ground on issues affecting national peace, democracy and inclusive development.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the prototype of the proposed NCWS Multi-Purpose Legacy Complex, an initiative designed to provide enduring institutional infrastructure for the organisation’s activities and strengthen its capacity to serve Nigerian women.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also emphasised the indispensable role of women in peacebuilding, national security and democratic governance.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to advancing women’s empowerment, protecting vulnerable groups and expanding opportunities for women’s participation in leadership and governance.

She noted that sustainable peace and national development could only be achieved when women are adequately represented and actively involved in decisions that affect their families, communities and the nation.

The summit also featured the Nigeria Women for Peace and Democracy Awards, which recognised individuals, institutions, development partners and outstanding women whose contributions have promoted peacebuilding, democratic values, humanitarian service and women’s advancement.

The NCWS stated that the maiden summit represents an important milestone in its continuing efforts to strengthen women’s voices, encourage cross-sector collaboration and promote a more inclusive democratic culture.

The Council further called on government institutions, political parties, development partners, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to deepen their commitment to women’s participation in governance and decision-making.

The NCWS reaffirmed its resolve to remain a strong national platform for women’s advocacy, empowerment, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

It expressed confidence that through stronger partnerships, purposeful leadership and collective action, Nigerian women would continue to play a defining role in building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation.

Signed:

National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS)