**Giving Nigerian Women Their Due: Time for a Change** Today, as we mark International Women's Day, it's time to reflect on the role and contributions of women in Nigeria. With a population of approximately 49.3%, women and girls make up nearly half of our nation. They toil on our farms, manage our markets, and raise our next generation, yet they often receive little recognition or reward for their hard work. Nigeria currently ranks poorly in terms of women's representation in parliament, coming in 180th out of 185 countries globally. In the sub-Saharan Africa region, we're at the bottom, with a mere 3.8% of legislative seats held by women. This is a far cry from Rwanda, which has achieved 61.3% women in its legislature, and Sierra Leone, which has seen women win 30.4% of parliamentary seats after enacting a Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act. The reality is that Nigerian women have had to be extraordinary just to remain in the room. They face numerous challenges, from limited access to education and economic opportunities to violence, harassment, and marginalization. It's no wonder that Nigeria's development deficit continues to compound with each passing election cycle, affecting all of us. As we mark International Women's Day with the theme 'Give to Gain', it's time for Nigerians to come together and give women and girls the recognition, respect, and opportunities they deserve. By doing so, we'll not only be giving them their due but also contributing to the peace and prosperity of our nation. It's time to revise the trend and create a more inclusive and equitable society where women and girls can thrive.