By Joyce Babayeju
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, on Thursday expressed the crucial role women play in achieving a sustainable nation, stressing that the Nigeria’s future is inextricably linked to empowering women.
Speaking at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Award (VOW2024), the Minister noted that Nigeria’s journey to sustainability hinges on an atmosphere where women’s needs, including access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and leadership opportunities are priotised at all levels, especially in the rural communities.
“To achieve true inclusion, we must create pathways for all women to thrive, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status
“History has shown that when women are given the opportunity to contribute, they lead with vision, compassion, and resilience. Whether as entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, or caregivers, Nigerian women are shaping their communities and driving development.
“Millions of women in rural areas remain excluded from these opportunities”, the minister said.
She however stressed that, to achieve genuine inclusivity, women must foster strategic partnerships across socio-economic divides, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, and leveraging leadership positions to empower grassroots movements, thereby creating equitable opportunities for all women to flourish.
Citing her personal experiences, she said: “To achieve true inclusion, there must be an intentional handshake between urban and rural women, between those in leadership and those at the grassroots, to create pathways for all women to thrive.
“As a daughter of Isuochi, a rural community in Abia State, I have witnessed first-hand the unique challenges that women in rural areas face. These women, who are the backbone of our agricultural sector, often lack access to the resources, education, and support they need to unlock their full potential. I have also seen the power of community, where women uplift each other through collaboration and shared wisdom”
In her concluding remarks, the Minister highlighted initiatives like the Labour Employment Expansion Program (LEEP), a job creating initiative she designed under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to provide jobs and training, especially for women in emerging sectors such as technology and the green economy.
