Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) proudly celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 at a high-profile event organized by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Nigeria on March 3, 2026, at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group House in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The gathering brought together distinguished leaders from government, business, civil society, and international organizations. It also marked the conclusion of the 2025 Target Gender Equality Accelerator, a program designed to advance gender equality in Nigeria’s private and public sectors. The event was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a call to action for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Empowering Women and Youth
During the event, Rafiu Olaore, CEO of YEDIS, delivered a compelling address outlining the organization’s mission: to create meaningful employment opportunities for women and youth, particularly in marginalized communities. He highlighted YEDIS’s impactful initiatives that empower microbusiness owners and traders along the agricultural value chain, ensuring that women and young people can participate fully in economic activities while narrowing existing gender gaps.
Olaore emphasized the importance of reaching vulnerable women smallholder farmers and traders outside major cities, noting that sustainable development cannot be limited to urban areas alone. He also called for partnerships and support from government agencies, private organizations, and civil society groups to scale these initiatives and extend their impact to underserved communities.
YEDIS at the Heart of Inclusive Growth
Three YEDIS representatives attended the International Women’s Day event, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusive economic development. As a non-business member of the United Nations Global Compact, YEDIS aligns its programs with international sustainability standards, ensuring that every project contributes to gender-responsive and socially impactful outcomes.
“Celebrating women’s achievements is only the beginning,” Olaore remarked during his speech. “Our goal is to translate recognition into opportunities; jobs, training, mentorship, and sustainable livelihoods for women and youth who are often left behind.”
A Platform for Advocacy and Change
International Women’s Day 2026 offered a unique platform for YEDIS to showcase its achievements and advocate for collaboration. Attendees engaged in discussions on policy, best practices, and strategies for accelerating gender equality in Nigeria. The event served as both a celebration and a rallying point for organizations committed to creating inclusive and equitable economic opportunities.
Watch the Highlights
Relive the event and witness YEDIS in action here: https://youtu.be/geSqr43efKI?si=c7956A5zEL_3skRN
About YEDIS
Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) is dedicated to empowering youth and women through skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovative programs along value chains like agriculture and trade. As a non-business member of the UNGC, YEDIS ensures that its efforts align with global sustainability standards, creating measurable and meaningful impact for marginalized communities.