Gender and Inclusion Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Economic Empowerment for Women
The recent Gender and Inclusion Summit emphasized the pressing need to translate policies into tangible economic opportunities for women in Nigeria. Despite numerous initiatives, the country continues to lag in global gender equity rankings, prompting a call for action and innovative solutions.
The Abuja Times
The annual Gender and Inclusion Summit, held on September 8th-9th and organized by the Policy Innovation Center (PIC), focused on the theme 'From Agenda to Action: Making Innovations Count for the Last Mile.' Chaired by Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, this year's summit brought together key stakeholders to discuss the critical issue of women's economic empowerment in Nigeria, a nation that, despite having an array of policies in place, continues to struggle with gender disparities.
In her opening remarks, Adeleye-Fayemi commended Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu and the leadership of PIC for their efforts in convening this important dialogue. She underscored the irony that while Nigeria boasts numerous commendable policies and programs aimed at enhancing women's economic opportunities, the impact has been minimal. "We need to ask why the needle is not moving," she remarked, highlighting the urgent need for introspection and action.
Recent data underscores the gravity of the situation, with Nigeria ranking 124th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for 2025 and 127th out of 139 on the 2024 SDG Gender Index. These rankings reveal a disheartening picture, with Nigeria classified as 'very poor' in gender equity and positioned 30th among 36 Sub-Saharan African economies. Such statistics raise crucial questions about the effectiveness of existing interventions and the need for a strategic overhaul in approach.
During the summit, Adeleye-Fayemi proposed five key points for consideration, urging participants to think critically about the barriers preventing progress in women's economic empowerment. She emphasized that without addressing these fundamental issues, the vast potential of Nigerian women will remain untapped. The summit serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate, aiming to turn discussions into actionable strategies that can genuinely transform the economic landscape for women in Nigeria.
Share this article with your network
Broadcast directly to WhatsApp communities and news circles.
The Abuja Morning Dispatch
Get the capital's most important political investigations, cabinet decisions, and economic intelligence delivered to your inbox every morning.
About The Abuja Times
Super Admin & Lead Director
Related Dispatches in Lifestyle & Culture
Understanding the Essence of Spiritual Sacrifice in Faith
In his ongoing discourse, Femi Aribisala explores the profound significance of spiritual sacrifice, emphasizing a broken spirit as the true offering to God. He reflects on the historical context of sacrificial practices in the ancient tabernacle, drawing parallels to contemporary faith experiences.
Preserving History: The Debate Over Colonial Structures in Nigeria
The preservation of colonial buildings has sparked a contentious debate about the relationship between history and national identity. As Nigeria grapples with its past, the question arises: should we destroy remnants of colonialism or acknowledge them as part of our history?
Lagos Faces Urgent Call for Infrastructure Overhaul Amidst Rising Pollution Concerns
As Lagos grapples with deteriorating environmental conditions, experts urge immediate action to prevent a crisis similar to the Great Stink. A comprehensive approach involving investment and public cooperation is crucial for a cleaner, sustainable future for Nigeria's bustling metropolis.