President of OWIT Nigeria Speech for International Women’s Day 2025
adminTheme: “Accelerate Action”
Esteemed Presidents, Fellow Women in Trade, He-for-She Champions, Partners, and Advocates,
Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day with a strong and urgent call—”Accelerate Action.” This is not just a theme; it is a demand for bold, strategic, and immediate steps to break the barriers limiting women in trade, business, and leadership.
Why Must We Accelerate Action?
Women-owned businesses in Nigeria, across Africa, and globally continue to face persistent challenges:
Limited access to finance – Women receive less than 7% of global trade finance despite driving major economies.
Restrictive trade policies – Export regulations remain complex and disadvantageous to women-led businesses.
Low representation in decision-making – Women are often excluded from trade negotiations and policymaking.
Yet, if women had equal opportunities in global trade, the world economy could grow by $28 trillion by 2025. Clearly, we cannot afford to move at the same pace—we must act NOW.
Strategic Call to Action
To Governments and Policymakers:
- Enforce gender-responsive trade policies – Women must be key players in AfCFTA and global trade agreements.
- Ensure financial inclusion – Central banks must mandate trade finance solutions for women-led enterprises.
- Simplify export processes – Reduce bureaucratic hurdles that prevent women from scaling their businesses globally.
To Corporations and Investors:
- Commit to supplier diversity – Allocate at least 30% of procurement to women-owned businesses.
- Fund capacity-building initiatives – Invest in trade accelerators and mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs.
To Women Entrepreneurs and Trade Professionals:
- Take bold risks – Scale your businesses, seek new markets, and embrace digital trade platforms.
- Engage in trade policy discussions – Your voice must shape the future of international trade.
OWIT Nigeria’s Commitment
At OWIT Nigeria, we are not waiting for change—we are driving it. Through trade missions, policy advocacy, and business training, we are equipping women to compete globally. But we cannot do this alone.
We call on governments, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and development partners to stand with us. We must move from words to action.
Conclusion: The Time is Now
The time for gradual progress is over. We must accelerate action, break barriers, and create a future where women thrive in international trade.
Let’s commit. Let’s collaborate. Let’s accelerate action!
Happy International Women’s Day!
— Mrs. Blessing Irabor-Oza
President, OWIT Nigeria
