Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – The Organization of Women in International Trade
(OWIT) Nigeria, led by its President, Mrs. Blessing Irabor-Oza, joins the global community
in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 with a strong call to “Accelerate Action”
for gender equality in international trade.
In her official statement, Mrs. Irabor-Oza emphasized the urgent need for strategic and
immediate interventions to break the barriers that continue to hinder women
entrepreneurs in trade.
➢ “Women-led businesses in Nigeria and across the world remain underrepresented
in global trade due to systemic barriers such as limited access to finance,
restrictive trade policies, and exclusion from key decision-making platforms.
Research has shown that gender-inclusive trade policies could add over $28
trillion to the global economy by 2025. We cannot afford to wait—we must act
now!”

A Strategic Call to Action
Mrs. Irabor-Oza urged key stakeholders—including governments, financial institutions,
corporate leaders, and trade organizations—to take decisive action:
Fast-track gender-inclusive trade policies to ensure women benefit from agreements like
AfCFTA.
Expand access to trade finance with low-interest credit facilities tailored for women
entrepreneurs.
Commit to supplier diversity by allocating at least 30% of procurement contracts to
women-led businesses.
Invest in capacity-building and mentorship programs to equip women with the skills
needed to thrive in international trade.

OWIT Nigeria’s Commitment to Driving Change
As a leading advocate for women in trade, OWIT Nigeria continues to empower women
through trade missions, export training, business development programs, and policy
advocacy. The organization is committed to ensuring that women are not only included
in trade discussions but are also positioned as key players in the global economy.
Mrs. Irabor-Oza further called on partners, policymakers, and the private sector to join
OWIT Nigeria in making gender-inclusive trade a reality.
➢ “The era of slow progress is over. Women must be at the center of global trade
discussions and policies. Together, let’s accelerate action and create an inclusive,
equitable, and prosperous trading environment for all women.”
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Mrs. Blessing Irabor-Oza
President, OWIT Nigeria
Email: owitnigeria@gmail.com
Phone: +2348037448642
About OWIT Nigeria
The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Nigeria is part of a global
network dedicated to advancing women’s participation in international trade through
capacity-building, trade policy advocacy, and global networking.

AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #OWITNigeria #WomenInTrade