IWD 2026: Memunat Idu-lah Makes Case for Single Mothers and Children
By Ahiaba Douglas
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Memunat Single Mother and Child Initiative, Ambassador Memunat Ladi Idu-lah, has called on Nigerians, Africans, and the global community to put an end to the stigmatization of single mothers and their children.
She made this appeal as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8. The global event, designated by the United Nations, promotes gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusion. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” she noted, is both timely and significant.
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According to the CEO, societal stigmatization of single mothers has caused severe emotional and psychological harm to many women and their children. She explained that character assassination and harmful stereotypes have negatively impacted victims, often leaving lasting scars.
Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” Idu-lah emphasized that the concept of “giving” goes beyond material support.
“The ‘give’ here is not about physical giving; it is about acceptance and providing opportunities for women by empowering them,” she said.
She further explained that true empowerment involves accepting women as equals, granting the girl-child equal access to education as the boy-child, and involving women in decision-making processes at family, community, and national levels.
Idu-lah also questioned the implementation of Nigeria’s 35 percent affirmative action policy for women, asking how effectively it has been enforced over the years.
While commending the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating some commitment to women-related issues, she urged the government to ensure the implementation of the proposed allocation of reserved seats for women in the National Assembly
.
She concluded by stressing that empowering women and eliminating stigma against single mothers will not only uplift families but also foster national development and social cohesion.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 23RD 2026)
