Every March in Nigeria, organizations eagerly prepare for International Women’s Day (IWD), but many are unaware that the themes they adopt are often not officially sanctioned by the United Nations. Instead, they stem from a London-based marketing firm whose focus is on selling merchandise for the occasion. This revelation raises questions about the authenticity of the narratives surrounding gender equality in Nigeria, where significant challenges persist.

As Nigerian organizations engage in discussions about the IWD theme, from corporate settings in Abuja to creative meetings in Lagos, the lack of awareness about the origins of these themes poses an underlying problem. While events are being organized, budgets allocated, and promotional materials designed, the fact remains that the thematic concepts are derived from commercial interests rather than grassroots movements or significant advocacy for women's rights. This misalignment can dilute the impactful messages intended for International Women’s Day.

Ultimately, the realization that such themes are propagated by a marketing company rather than authoritative bodies such as the UN complicates the narrative of women’s empowerment in Nigeria. It suggests a commodification of feminism, where marketing interests overshadow authentic advocacy for gender equality. In a nation where the fight for gender equality is urgently needed, understanding and challenging these dynamics is paramount for genuine progress and representation in the discourse surrounding women's rights.