By Joy Omagha Idam
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s participation in nation-building, peacebuilding and democratic governance with the successful hosting of its maiden Nigerian Women Peace and Democracy Summit and Awards 2026 in Abuja.
The landmark gathering, which brought together more than 3,000 women leaders, policymakers, government representatives, diplomats and civil society stakeholders, also witnessed the unveiling of the prototype of the proposed NCWS Multi-Purpose Legacy Complex, a major institutional development initiative designed to provide a lasting platform for the organisation’s activities and future programmes.
Held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, the summit was organised under the theme, “Women as Catalysts for Peace, Democracy and Inclusive Governance.”
The event was hosted by the National President of NCWS, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, Kwatam Mutaku, who used the occasion to renew the call for greater recognition of women as indispensable partners in national development and democratic consolidation.
In her welcome address, Azura emphasised that Nigerian women must move beyond being regarded merely as beneficiaries of democracy to becoming active participants in shaping governance, national unity and sustainable development.
She explained that the summit was conceived as a strategic platform for bringing women from different political, ethnic, religious and professional backgrounds together to discuss issues affecting the country’s democratic future.
According to her, women possess the experience, influence and community networks required to contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention, reconciliation, national stability and inclusive leadership.
LEGACY COMPLEX: A NEW INSTITUTIONAL VISION
One of the major highlights of the gathering was the unveiling of the prototype of the proposed NCWS Multi-Purpose Legacy Complex.
The initiative represents an important institutional milestone in the council’s ambition to strengthen its organisational capacity and establish a lasting legacy for Nigerian women.
The proposed complex is expected to provide an enduring institutional platform for the council’s programmes, engagements and activities, while supporting its broader mandate of promoting women’s welfare, leadership, empowerment and participation in national development.
The unveiling added an important developmental dimension to the summit, demonstrating the council’s interest in building structures that will sustain its work beyond individual administrations and generations of leadership.
WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE
Addressing participants, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stressed the importance of women’s inclusion in decision-making as a fundamental requirement for sustainable peace and national security.
Represented by Princess Jummai Idonije, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, the minister highlighted ongoing government interventions aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, economic empowerment and protection against gender-based violence.
She also drew attention to the importance of translating women’s numerical strength into meaningful participation in democratic processes, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The minister underscored the need for collaboration among government institutions, women’s organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to advance gender equality and inclusive governance.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY REAFFIRMS SUPPORT
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, also reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to constitutional reforms aimed at improving women’s political representation.
Represented by Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, the Speaker highlighted the proposed Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
He noted that meaningful democratic inclusion requires deliberate institutional measures that enable women to participate in legislative processes, policy formulation and national decision-making.
He further emphasised the importance of protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination while expanding opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and leadership.
ADUDA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT
Former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda also expressed support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and opportunities available to women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and the advancement of the girl child, stressing that investment in women remains important to building a better society.
Aduda also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
RECOGNISING WOMEN OF IMPACT
Another significant feature of the summit was the Nigeria Women for Peace and Democracy Awards, instituted to recognise individuals, institutions, development partners, humanitarian organisations and women leaders whose contributions have advanced peacebuilding, democratic governance, women’s empowerment and nation-building.
The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women and other stakeholders whose commitment to community development and humanitarian service continues to strengthen society.
The gathering also created opportunities for discussions around interfaith understanding, youth participation, conflict prevention and stronger partnerships between women leaders and relevant institutions.
A PLATFORM FOR LASTING CHANGE
The NCWS, which has maintained an international affiliation with the International Council of Women since 1958, has continued to play a significant role in promoting women’s welfare, education, economic empowerment, health and leadership.
The maiden summit therefore represents an opportunity to strengthen the organisation’s national advocacy role while expanding conversations on the relationship between women’s participation, peace and democratic development.
With the unveiling of the proposed Multi-Purpose Legacy Complex and the recognition of outstanding contributions through the awards, the summit combined institutional development with a renewed commitment to women’s leadership.
As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the message from the gathering was clear: women must have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions that shape their communities and the future of the country.
For NCWS, the maiden Nigerian Women Peace and Democracy Summit and Awards 2026 marks an important step towards translating advocacy into institutional growth, stronger partnerships and sustained action for peace, democracy and inclusive governance.