The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has called on government agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and development partners to form strategic partnerships ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Delta State.
The forum made the appeal in a statement announcing its plans to commemorate the global event on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The programme will hold at No. 12 Uchenna Okolo Street, opposite St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Asaba.
According to the statement, signed by Josephine Omodior, Secretary of the Committee for the 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration, the event will feature former chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Patricia Gbemudu, as keynote speaker.
DOPF said this year’s celebration will adopt the theme “Give to Gain: Empowering Women through Digital Storytelling,” aligning with the global campaign message “Give To Gain” with the central idea that “when we give, we gain.”
The forum explained that the campaign is designed to promote generosity, collaboration and intentional support aimed at advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
According to the statement, “the campaign promotes a culture of generosity, collaboration, and intentional support for the advancement of women and girls.” It added that individuals and organisations are encouraged to contribute through “donations, mentorship, knowledge-sharing, advocacy, visibility, and capacity building.”
DOPF further stressed that the Give To Gain initiative underscores the importance of selfless giving and its wider impact on society.
“The Give To Gain initiative highlights the importance of giving from the heart,” the forum said, noting that such actions “create positive ripple effects that strengthen families, communities, and society at large.”
The statement noted that the 2026 International Women’s Day programme will focus on several priorities, including empowering women, supporting women-focused nonprofit organisations, amplifying initiatives that promote women’s rights, and challenging stereotypes, discrimination and gender bias.
DOPF also observed that International Women’s Day has grown into a major global platform for advocacy and philanthropy.
“International Women’s Day is increasingly becoming one of the world’s biggest giving platforms, providing opportunities to support organisations working to improve the lives of women and girls,” the forum stated.
As part of the celebration, the group plans to host a “Give To Gain Impact Conference,” recognise outstanding women and nonprofit organisations, and launch media advocacy campaigns across digital platforms in Delta State.
The event will also include public engagement initiatives designed to encourage greater support for women-focused causes and deepen collaboration with grassroots organisations and girl-child advocacy groups.
DOPF emphasised that strong participation from government institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and development partners would be essential to maximise the impact of the campaign.
According to the forum, broader collaboration would inspire more residents of Delta State to adopt a culture of giving while supporting programmes that empower women and girls.
The statement also called for collective action, stressing that “when women rise, society rises.”
