As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, the BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM) has called for increased investment in women and women with disabilities, stressing that inclusive policies and opportunities are essential for sustainable development.
In a press release signed by the Founder and Executive Director of BOFIM, Blessing Oladunjoye, to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, the organisation shared that meaningful progress can only be achieved when governments, institutions, and communities deliberately invest in the rights, voices, and participation of women, regardless of disability.
BOFIM noted that women with disabilities continue to face multiple and intersecting barriers, including limited access to education, employment opportunities, digital tools, and media visibility.
According to the organisation, addressing these barriers requires intentional action, from inclusive policymaking to increased investments in capacity building, accessible technologies, and equitable media representation.
“Giving women and women with disabilities equal opportunities is not charity, it is an investment in inclusive development,” Oladunjoye said. “When women are supported to participate fully in economic, social, and civic life, societies gain stronger institutions, more resilient communities, and more inclusive growth.”
Aligning with this year’s theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls, and the campaign slogan “Give to Gain,” the organisation also highlighted the role of the media in advancing gender and disability inclusion, urging journalists and media institutions to amplify the voices and experiences of women with disabilities and challenge stereotypes that limit their participation in public life.
BOFIM reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of journalists to produce inclusive and gender-responsive reporting, noting that responsible storytelling can help shift public attitudes, influence policy, and promote greater accountability toward the rights of women and persons with disabilities.
