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FG, UN, WB partners to empower women

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By Okunloye Abiodun

Women would have enough representation at all levels by 2023 - FG, UN, WB.

At the 22nd Regular National Council on Women Affairs (NCWA), which was held in Abuja and was organized by the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the United Nations Women’s Organization, the World Bank, and the Federal Government have all indicated that they are working on developing strategies to guarantee that women would have enough representation in the next government at all levels by the year 2023. A consensus was also reached to end poverty, improve the status of women, and address other problems that are relevant to the country of Nigeria’s female population and children.

Dame Pauline Tallen, the minister of women’s affairs, said in her keynote address that the theme for this year’s National Conference on Women’s Affairs (NCWA), “Gender inclusivity and women economic empowerment; making the change work for women and children,” is appropriate because it provides the opportunity to once again address issues that affect women and children in Nigeria. She said that it also gave them a place to monitor their achievements so far, share information, and exchange expertise in relation to issues pertaining to women and children.

The organizations make the health of women and children a priority.

Moreover, the minister said that there are presently 34 states that have adopted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015. However, there are only 32 states that have domesticated the Child Rights Act of 2003. In addition, the ministry has been able to make the National Sex Offenders Register as well as Referral Pathway accessible at the federal and state levels, and it has also been able to enhance the number of Safe Spaces for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Since they took office, she affirmed that they have made addressing Gender-Based Violence, social and cultural disparities, and other harmful behaviours that have a disproportionately negative impact on the health of women and children a priority. They concentrated on inclusive interventions aimed at promoting the socio-economic development of Nigeria with the purpose of achieving meaningful results that were in accordance with the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She advocated for more funding for the ministry as well as a reorganization of the ministry’s mandate with the main premise of boosting social inclusion while simultaneously reducing levels of poverty.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women is an essential component.

Mr. Shubaham Chaudhuri, the Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, in his address stated that the organization is committed to investing in children and women, creating economic opportunities and jobs, and strengthening governance. He also mentioned that the organization is committed to creating economic opportunities. According to him, if governments all over the globe want to eradicate poverty and want their country to develop, then gender equality and the empowerment of women is an absolutely essential component to achieving those goals.

According to Mr. Chaundhuri, the World Bank assisted the government in the fields of education and empowerment through initiatives known as Supporting Women and Girls (SWAG) and Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). The continued education of adolescent girls so that they may grow into influential businesswomen and political figures is the one most essential activity that can be done to safeguard the future of a nation. The reason for this, they are collaborating closely with the ministries of women’s affairs, education, and finances, as well as with all of the northern states, about this agenda.

Decision making capacity of women would also increase.

Moreover, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, who serves as the United Nations Women’s Country Representative in Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), recently stated that efforts are being made to advance women’s participation in decision-making positions and the economic independence of women and girls. Eyong stated that if they want the change to be beneficial for women and girls, we need to increase the representation of women at the table and make certain that the rights of women and girls are respected, as outlined in the conventions, additional texts, and protocols that have been enacted by the Government of Nigeria.


Related Links

UN Women: Website

World Bank: Website


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