By Sharon Akuboh
It’s been 37 Years of Courage. 37 Years of Service. 37 Years of Giving Women a Voice.
On September 16th, 2026, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) clocked 37 years of existence…. 37 years of courage, resilience, advocacy and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women, the girl-child and society at large.
This milestone deserves to be celebrated.
However, with the important national engagements immediately ahead of us, including the forthcoming National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Kebbi State and our National Delegates Conference, coupled with the prevailing financial constraints, the National Secretariat has taken the decision not to organise a separate national anniversary ceremony at this time.
But we could not allow such a significant milestone in the history of our Association to pass without doing something meaningful.
For us, celebration must go beyond ceremonies. It must translate into impact.
Consequently, to mark NAWOJ @ 37, the National Secretariat will support three NAWOJ State Chapters; Akwa Ibom, Katsina and Osun, with ₦100,000 each to purchase sanitary pads and distribute them to girls in a school of their choice.
The initiative is small in resources, but significant in meaning.
For many girls, access to sanitary products can make the difference between attending school with dignity and staying at home during their menstrual period. By supporting this modest intervention, NAWOJ is once again demonstrating that our journalism is not only about telling the stories of society; it is also about using our collective voice and platform to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
At 37, we celebrate not merely the years behind us, but the responsibility that comes with them.
We celebrate the pioneering women who laid the foundation.
We celebrate every woman journalist who has carried the NAWOJ torch.
We celebrate our members across the 36 States and the FCT whose commitment continues to keep the Association strong.
And, most importantly, we celebrate by giving back.
As we look towards the next chapter of NAWOJ, our commitment remains clear: to strengthen the Association, promote the dignity and welfare of women journalists, amplify the voices of women and girls, and use the power of journalism to advance a better society.
NAWOJ @ 37…… 37 years of finding our voice, using our voice and making our voice count.
Happy 37th Anniversary to the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists!
Dignity in Service.
This was contained in a statement jointly issued by Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim,
National Chairperson and Comrade Wasilah I Ladan, National Secretary of NAWOJ.
The entire management and Editorial Team of Weekenders magazine Congratulate the Leadership of NAWOJ and the entire members of NAWOJ on this huge landmark.