There has been an increasing movement for gender-responsive procurement in Nigeria, as Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) has partnered with UN Women to introduce a program that encourages fair economic involvement for women. This collaboration falls under the affirmative procurement initiative, which seeks to enhance gender-sensitive acquisition methods, especially in Lagos’s private sector. This initiative aims to ensure they receive the same economic opportunities, enabling them to participate in public and economic life. This project, led by WISCAR in collaboration with the UN, will encourage private companies to embrace the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
The goal is for firms in Lagos to implement strategies and practices that emphasise Gender Equality in their acquisition and supply chain processes. It further urges private companies to engage in a transformative effort to reshape business methods to enhance inclusivity. This initiative’s function lies in understanding that gender equality is essential for business success. Companies globally progressively realise that fostering gender balance can enhance Innovation and growth and ensure sustained success. Yet, even with this awareness, a disparity still exists in the participation of female enterprises in corporate acquisition processes.
WISCAR and UN seek to reshape business partnerships in Nigeria.
Even though females lead many small and medium enterprises, they remain underrepresented, obtaining just a small, minimal acquisition contract. This disparity has repercussions that restrict their potential economic impact, hindering advancements toward genuine gender equality. The gap in procurement has consistently highlighted the larger inequalities present in both economic and corporate environments. WISCAR and UN organisations are collaborating to tackle these issues by promoting more inclusive methods. This program aims to create avenues and transform how businesses interact with suppliers and partners.
Incorporating lady’s businesses into procurement processes is essential for fostering a more equitable and varied economic environment. Organisations that overlook this opportunity may forfeit the valuable contributions that female entrepreneurs and business leaders can offer. Alongside tackling these inequalities, the affirmative procurement initiative aims to form a coalition of private enterprises eager to set a precedent. With more than 200 companies in Nigeria currently committed to the Women Empowerment Principles, this project intends to motivate additional firms to participate.
WEPs will help the business landscape for gender equality.
Furthermore, the WEPs offer a structured approach for organisations to adopt gender-sensitive policies and actions, fostering equality within workplaces, markets, and communities. Engagement with the initiative extends beyond a singular effort; it represents a dedication to promoting enduring growth and progress. By embracing the WEPs and incorporating gender factors into procurement choices, companies can cultivate a landscape where women-led enterprises thrive. This enhances the national Economy as more diverse and innovative businesses contribute to economic growth.
Central to the success of this initiative is the notion that businesses are responsible for creating gender-inclusive policies that extend across the entire supply chain. Organisations can benefit their operations and society by ensuring that women-owned businesses are included and empowered. Organisations that adopt this approach strongly state their dedication to fostering an equitable future, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same chance to succeed. This movement holds the potential to reshape the country’s business landscape. As more businesses commit to the Women Empowerment Principles and adopt inclusive procurement practices, the country benefits from a more vibrant, innovative, and sustainable economy.
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Moreover, with both organisations leading the charge, it is clear that achieving gender equality in procurement is both a moral and economic imperative for businesses. The push for procurement that responds to gender needs represents progress toward developing a society where ladies are encouraged to hold leadership positions and engage in economic initiatives. With this movement gaining momentum, the dream of a more inclusive and fair future seems achievable. By seizing this chance, companies within the country can instigate a powerful change that will yield enduring advantages for many future generations.