The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs.) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has called for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to improve the economic status of women in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2nd Meeting of the High-Level Advisory Council (HLAC) on Supporting Women and Girls, held today in Abuja, the Minister stressed the critical role that women play at all levels of society and the urgent need to translate discussions into actionable solutions that uplift their economic standing.
“We are tired of talking without action, knowing that Nigerian women are suffering. We can’t continue to fold our arms and watch,” Kennedy-Ohanenye said.
She emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to galvanize council members to examine and implement practical solutions aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Workable collaborative efforts must be put in place by both the private and public sectors to practically upscale [women’s] sources of income,” she added.
Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted the alarming statistic that 70% of Nigerian women are engaged in informal economic activities.
She underscored the government’s commitment to reversing this trend through skill acquisition programs and other initiatives aimed at empowering women to contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On his part, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, commended the resilience and hard work of Nigerian women. He noted that their empowerment is key to the country’s overall development.
“Nigerian women are the backbone of our economy, and their empowerment is crucial to our national progress. Without progress for women, there is no progress for the nation,” Bagudu stated.
He also lauded the Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to advancing the cause of women and girls in Nigeria, stressing the need for continued financial, psychological, and social support for women.
In his remarks, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy, which was launched in May 2023.
Represented by the Director of Women Development, Mrs. Friya Bulus, Aduda called for greater collaboration to ensure the success of the WEE policy.
“We urge the Advisory Council to join hands with the Ministry to work assiduously towards advancing the economic empowerment of women as well as enthronement of gender equality in all segments of the economy,” Aduda said.
The meeting also featured a vote of thanks from Mrs. Blessing Anunike, Director of the Economic Services Department of the Ministry.
She praised partners such as the Development Research and Projects Centre (DRPC) and Albright Stonebridge for their collaboration with the Ministry on WEE implementation, particularly at the sub-national level.
She urged stakeholders to approach the issue of women’s empowerment with renewed vigour, emphasizing that it is the foundation for sustainable national development.
The High-Level Advisory Council (HLAC), established in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is responsible for driving and coordinating the implementation of the WEE policy and other gender-focused programs.
The Council plays a vital role in ensuring that the government’s vision for women’s empowerment is realized across all sectors.
