In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), The Guardian Woman Festival has officially commenced a month-long programme in Nigeria to acknowledge and advance issues pertaining to women. Click here to register for the Guardian Woman Festival.

This was disclosed yesterday at a media parley, held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, announcing the festival, in partnership with Federal Palace Hotel’s International Women’s Month programme on Reciprocity themed “Give to Gain.”

Executive Director, Federal Palace Hotel/Chief Strategy Officer, Global, The Guardian, Anita Athena Ibru, said the festival’s expansion into a month-long activation is partly designed to prevent burnout and ensure deeper engagement rather than surface-level enthusiasm that quickly fades.

According to her, meaningful change requires structure, pacing and institutional participation.

She described the Federal Palace as “a living property, not just a building where events happen,” explaining that hospitality plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s positive narrative both locally and internationally. “In this sector, we receive those who truly appreciate Nigeria, and we can offer unforgettable stays and experiences, whether for business, leisure or decision-making,” she said.

Speaking on the theme, she said, “The theme: ‘Give to Gain’ is not just a nice phrase. It is a strategy. It is reciprocity in action. It is the understanding that giving is not weakness, and gaining is not selfishness. It is the reality that when we invest in women through knowledge, networks, opportunity, visibility, mentorship, wellbeing, and leadership pathways, we strengthen families, organisations, and the economy. That is what this month is about.

“Being a woman in media gives me a unique advantage and duty. I can amplify every detail, every offering, and the story behind it,” she noted, adding that storytelling remains central to national rebranding.

Ibru added that cultural pride remains one of Nigeria’s strongest exports. She cited moments of hearing Afrobeats abroad or seeing international guests celebrate Nigerian weddings, fashion and cuisine as reminders of the country’s soft power. “There is so much more to our cultural offering, and hospitality gives us the stage to present it properly,” she said.

Speaking on corporate social responsibility, Ibru stressed that CSR must go beyond symbolism. “CSR is not a logo on a banner, and it is not simply a monetary donation. Strategic giving is one of the most powerful tools organisations have to create long-term impact, especially for women,” she said.

According to her, when companies invest in women’s leadership development, well-being, skills acquisition and enterprise opportunities, they are building human capital and strengthening the economy.
“They are building the talent pipeline they later complain does not exist. They are building trust and earning social licence,” she added.

She explained that the month-long format was intentionally designed to make CSR participation structured, visible and flexible. “We don’t have to rush into one day to make an impact. We have a full month for organisations to convene, invest and deliver measurable outcomes,” she said.

On legacy, Ibru spoke personally about sustaining her father’s legacy. “Making profit is one thing that can be quantified, but sustaining a legacy is priceless,” she said, noting that relevance must be maintained not only through hospitality standards but through cultural and community impact.

She invited organisations and individuals to participate throughout March at the Federal Palace, culminating in the flagship full-day gathering on March 27. “Let this platform be where women do not just celebrate, let us build, invest, exchange value and give to gain together,” she said.

Head, Digital, The Guardian Nigeria, Mr Dave Fowler, highlighted The Guardian’s integrated approach across its legacy newspaper, digital platforms and social channels. He assured participants of sustained coverage throughout the month to amplify the festival’s reach and impact.

Chief of Staff, Federal Palace Hotel, Yemisi Fajimolu, noted that in line with the festival, the hotel has special incentives for women throughout the period, including a 20 per cent discount on food and beverage services, as well as a discount on hotel lodging.

Speaking at the launch, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria, Kehinde Ogundare, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment as a key partner.

Representing Zoho Corporation’s Nigerian operations, he described last year’s edition as a well-organised and impactful experience that influenced the company’s decision to deepen its involvement.

He noted that technology, when made accessible and affordable, becomes a growth equaliser for women-led businesses seeking to formalise operations, improve financial discipline and compete globally. Zoho pledged continued collaboration to ensure empowerment initiatives remain practical, scalable and sustainable.

Also speaking, Dere Oritsejafor-Ereku, representing the Founder of Female Techpreneur, Mrs Bukky Babajide, outlined the organisation’s focus on providing women in technology with access to funding, mentorship and strategic partnerships. She said this year’s engagement is centred on granting women access to the decision room, where they can secure clear commitments and defined pathways for growth.