By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and UN Women have concluded plans to strengthen the empowerment of Nigerian women through implementation of Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE, initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador, Gabriel Aduda announced this in Abuja on Wednesday at a delegate’s meeting with the UN Women at the ministry.
Aduda noted that the WEE Initiative would focus on Affirmative Procurement Reforms would dismantle barriers and address structural challenges impeding the growth and development of women entrepreneurs.
He noted that women Entrepreneurs in the country are faced with challenges such as limited access to capital, knowledge of available support systems, intricate procurement processes , which are key obstacles hindering their progress.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of prioritizing women’s empowerment, is a tool not only to unlock the full potentials of women but to boost their active participation in national development while closing the marginalizating of gender gap in the entrepreneurial space.
According to him, “The overarching objective is to prioritize women in procurement initiatives in Nigeria, thereby strengthening their economic foundations to enable meaningful contributions not only to their families’ well-being but also to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.”
He disclosed that a National Steering Committed was established to drive the project, adding that Kaduna and Lagos are two pilot States to have developed Gender Responsive Procurement Policy, awaiting full-scale implementation.
Aduda commended the UN Women for their unwavering support in advancing female entrepreneurship in Nigeria, stated that there are plans for a National Policy Dialogue on the Project to sensitize key stakeholders and the public on the benefits of Gender Responsive Procurement to the country’s economic development.
Furthermore, the Acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, Zephania Aura commended the ministry for creating an enabling environment for women’s economic uplifting.
She pledged The UN Women’s commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment, noting that it as a pivotal pathway to scaling up female entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
