Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

GRACE IKE, NUJ-FCT Council Chair

Grace Ike, the first female Chair of the NUJ FCT Council, is championing the theme “Give to Gain” this International Women’s Day, urging Nigeria’s government, institutions, and communities to invest deliberately in women’s empowerment as a pathway to national development. Her call emphasizes mentorship, education, and dismantling systemic barriers to unlock women’s full potential.  

Give to Gain: NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Champions Women’s Empowerment and Investment

In a bold and inspiring message marking International Women’s Day 2026, Grace Ike, Chair of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory Council, has amplified the global theme “Give to Gain”. As the first woman to hold this position, Ike’s leadership is both symbolic and practical, reflecting the strides women continue to make in breaking barriers within male-dominated spaces. 

Her editorial stance is clear: investing in women is not charity, but a strategic necessity for sustainable development. She argues that when women are empowered through education, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and access to resources, the benefits ripple outward, strengthening families, communities, institutions, and ultimately the nation.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Ike has called on the Nigerian government, private sector, and development partners to dismantle entrenched obstacles that hinder women’s progress. These barriers include cultural stereotypes, limited access to finance, and underrepresentation in leadership. She insists that words must translate into action, particularly in the mentorship of young female journalists, who often face unique challenges in the profession.

The Power of Intentional Investment

The “Give to Gain” theme underscores the intentionality of investment in women. Ike stresses that empowerment is not accidental, it requires deliberate policies, programs, and opportunities. By prioritizing women’s economic and social empowerment, Nigeria can boost productivity, foster inclusive growth, and strengthen democratic institutions. 

A Personal and Collective Mission

For Ike, this year’s celebration carries personal resonance. She acknowledges the courageous women who paved the way, challenging stereotypes and refusing limitations. Standing on their shoulders, she now advocates for a future where women are not only included but actively shape the nation’s trajectory. 

Editorial Reflection

The message of “Give to Gain” is both a rallying cry and a challenge. It calls for societal reorientation, to see women not as beneficiaries of goodwill but as indispensable drivers of progress. Ike’s editorial reminds us that empowerment is not optional; it is the cornerstone of a thriving society. 

In the Nigerian context, where women remain underrepresented in politics, business, and media leadership, her advocacy is timely. It is a reminder that true national development cannot be achieved while half the population is sidelined.

Conclusion

Grace Ike’s leadership and her embrace of “Give to Gain” highlight a transformative vision: invest in women, and the returns will be immeasurable. Her editorial is not just a celebration of International Women’s Day but a call to action for Nigeria and beyond, to dismantle barriers, mentor the next generation, and recognize that empowering women is the surest way to empower society.