Students gathered across the American University of Nigeria campus in early March to celebrate women, share stories, and raise awareness about issues affecting women in society. Through a series of activities organized by the Women’s Leadership Club, the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration brought students together to promote empowerment, solidarity, and education.
The celebration, organized by the Women’s Leadership Club at AUN, took place over four days and featured several activities aimed at educating students and supporting women both on and off campus.
The celebration began on March 5, 2026, with a letter-writing activity held in the cafeteria. During the activity, students wrote thoughtful and encouraging letters to women on campus as a way of appreciating and celebrating their contributions. Although the letters were not distributed immediately, the activity created a warm and reflective atmosphere among participants as they expressed gratitude and support for women within the AUN community.
On March 6, the Women’s Leadership Club organized an outreach excursion in collaboration with the Student Outreach Project Club. Members visited Government Girls Secondary School where they spoke to young girls about menstrual hygiene and the importance of maintaining proper health practices. The outreach also included donations and interactive discussions aimed at educating the students and building their confidence. Later that day, the club hosted a finance seminar titled “Women and Wealth,” where knowledgeable speakers shared insights about financial literacy, personal finance, and the importance of economic empowerment for women.
The activities continued on March 7 with a Walk Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) organized in partnership with the Mental Health Ambassadors (MHA) club and the HOPE Foundation. During the walk, both male and female students carried placards with messages advocating for awareness, justice, and support for victims of gender-based violence. Participants also observed a one-minute silence to honour victims of SGBV, creating a moment of reflection and solidarity for those affected by such experiences.
The final day of the celebration took place on March 8, 2026, with a health seminar organized in collaboration with the Honour Society. The seminar focused on topics such as emotional and mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and understanding the female body. The school psychologist, Miss Sendi Dafwat, spoke about the importance of emotional well-being and mental health awareness, while Mrs. Nnena Mosugu addressed issues related to understanding one’s body and maintaining overall health as a woman. The event also marked the distribution of the letters written earlier in the week to women on campus, while additional messages were sent to women outside the university through text messages.
More than 80 students attended the various activities organized throughout the week, with faculty and staff also participating as guest speakers and supporters. The events attracted both male and female students who were eager to learn, engage in discussions, and show their support for women on campus. Many participants described the celebration as both educational and inspiring.
Princess Oladipo, the president of the Women’s Leadership Club explained that the goal of the celebration was to create a supportive environment where women could encourage one another and speak openly about issues affecting them. According to her, the event was designed to remind women of their strength and importance in society. “Women are more powerful than they think, our voices matter, they are seen and they are loved,” she said.
For the club president, one of the most memorable moments of the celebration was the outreach to young girls at Government Girls Secondary School. She explained that interacting with the students and discussing important topics such as menstrual hygiene and self-confidence was especially meaningful. “It is my dream to meet with young ladies and let them know they are not alone,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day within the university community. According to her, recognizing the contributions of women helps raise awareness about issues affecting them while encouraging students to support gender equality. She added that women play significant roles in society and deserve to be celebrated and supported.
Looking ahead, she expressed hope that the celebration would inspire students to continue supporting one another and advocating for women’s empowerment. “I hope it allows women to know they are not alone and see beyond themselves and think about how they can create positive change for other women,” she said. The four-day celebration not only highlighted the challenges women face but also reinforced the importance of unity, awareness, and empowerment within the AUN community.
Reported by Michelle Ikpaanyan
CMD major