IWD 2026: CBN Urges Greater Investment in Women, Says ‘When Women Thrive, We All Rise’

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has joined governments, institutions, and global organizations in marking 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), reaffirming its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and financial inclusion as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
In a message released to commemorate the global celebration, the apex bank applauded the resilience, leadership, and economic contributions of women across Nigeria and the world. The bank stressed that empowering women remains essential for inclusive national development and long-term economic stability.
Using the campaign message #GiveToGain, the CBN emphasized that societies benefit immensely when women are given the opportunity to thrive. According to the bank, investing in women’s economic participation not only uplifts families and communities but also strengthens the overall productivity of the economy.
“Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the amazing women who make a difference in our lives. When women thrive, we all rise,” the CBN stated in its goodwill message shared across its official platforms.

In Nigeria, women remain critical drivers of economic activities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, retail trade, small-scale manufacturing, and services. However, financial experts note that many female entrepreneurs still face challenges accessing capital, financial services, and business development support.
The CBN said it continues to implement policies and initiatives designed to expand women’s participation in the financial system. These efforts include promoting financial literacy, encouraging lending to women-owned businesses, and supporting programmes that deepen access to banking services for underserved groups.
Analysts believe that improving women’s access to finance could significantly boost Nigeria’s economic productivity. Research by global financial institutions indicates that bridging gender gaps in financial access can lead to higher business creation, improved household welfare, and stronger economic resilience.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its economic foundations and accelerate growth, stakeholders say empowering women must remain a strategic priority for policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners.
For the CBN, the message behind the International Women’s Day celebration is clear: when women are supported to succeed, the entire society benefits.
The Central Bank of Nigeria marks International Women’s Day (IWD), emphasizing women’s empowerment and financial inclusion as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.