Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye
Minister seeks multi-sectoral collaborations to raise Nigerian women economic status
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs.) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, is seeking for a collaborative, multi-sectoral strategy to improve the economic status of Nigerian women.
The minister spoke at the 2nd Meeting of the High-Level Advisory Council (HLAC) on Supporting Women and Girls, in Abuja.
She said the critical role that women play at all levels of society calls for urgent need to translate discussions into actionable solutions that uplift their economic status.
According to her, “We are tired of talking without action, knowing that Nigerian women are suffering. We can’t continue to fold our arms and watch.”
She explained 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.
The minister added that, “Workable collaborative efforts must be put in place by both the private and public sectors to practically upscale [women’s] sources of income.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that at least 70% of Nigerian women are engaged in informal economic activities, 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).
For the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the resilience and hard work of Nigerian women must be appreciated, noting that their empowerment is key to the country’s overall development.
Bagudu said, “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.”
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.
Also, 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.