The United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGCNN) is championing the cause for gender equality commitments in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to the media, the organisation made this known at a gathering of business leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day with the title: ‘Bridging the Gender Gap: Turning Intent to Impact.’
They brought together stakeholders across sectors to focus on how gender equality commitments can translate into measurable action within governance, leadership, and access to finance.
Naomi Nwokolo, chief executive officer of UNGCNN, urged organisations to move from familiar conversations to structural change. She called for clearer accountability, stronger leadership pipelines, and measurable targets that can be tracked over time.
“Conversations around gender equality are no longer new. What matters now is whether those conversations are producing structural change,” she said.
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As part of the conversation, Uto Ukpanah, Board Chair of the UNGCNN, noted that progress depends on governance discipline and not only good intentions.
“Organisations rarely fail because they lack good intentions. They fail because they don’t embed those intentions in the system,” she said.
Ukpanah also challenged leaders to treat gender inclusion as a board and performance priority within the next 90 days.
The gender equality discussion focused on moving beyond commitments toward practical, measurable action and the importance of reviewing procurement policies and corporate practices to ensure supplier ecosystems create fair opportunities for women-owned and women-led businesses.
Similarly, Chioma Uzodimma, first lady of Imo State, emphasised the importance of translating commitments into outcomes that improve lives, especially at the grassroots.
Harping on the vision of the Good Hope Women Flourish Initiative, she reiterated that “bridging the gender gap demands collective action, strong commitment and collaboration between the public and business sectors.”
Uzodimma called for sustained support systems that allow women to thrive in leadership and economic participation.
Panellists at the meeting emphasised the need to treat gender equity as a business performance and governance issue, expand access to capital for women-led enterprises, and strengthen internal leadership pipelines to enable more women to transition into decision-making roles.
Also, the conversation examined institutional and cultural conditions that continue to hinder women’s leadership progression. Corporate organisations were encouraged to critically assess workplace structures, biases, and policies that may unintentionally slow female leadership transition.
On her part, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in Lagos State, noted that the megacity is pursuing gender inclusion as a governance and economic priority.
She described skills development, procurement access, and enterprise programmes as practical levers for closing the gaps.
Meanwhile, Jette Bjerrum, consul-general and trade counsellor at the Consulate General of Denmark in Lagos, emphasised that impact requires systems, transparency, and leadership that goes beyond advocacy.
According to her, intentions do not close the gaps; data does. She also urged organisations to track representation, pay gaps, and promotion outcomes so accountability becomes practical.
The speakers underscored the importance of data-driven advocacy and accountability, encouraging women leaders to challenge stereotypes, champion inclusive strategies, and actively sponsor and support other women.
