Perm Sec Aduda Urges Nationwide Push for Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy
In a call for unified action, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, emphasized the need for stakeholders across Nigeria to collaborate on advancing the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy. Speaking at a sideline meeting on WEE Policy Domestication during the 24th National Council on Women Affairs session in Jos, Plateau State, Aduda stressed that coordinated efforts are essential to achieving meaningful economic empowerment for women.
“The WEE Policy is a game changer,” Aduda remarked, emphasizing its potential to drive significant changes in women’s participation across all fields. He urged all Nigerian states to domesticate and implement the policy, enabling it to reach the grassroots and foster an environment where women can thrive economically in sectors such as agriculture, industry, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
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Addressing structural barriers, Aduda noted, “We recognize the longstanding challenges women face, including unequal access to education, finance, and leadership roles.” He called for the establishment of frameworks and partnerships to overcome these obstacles, asserting that effective policy implementation would enhance women’s ability to contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He also encouraged Nigerian women to consider careers in politics, positioning them to advocate for policies supportive of gender equality. The Albright Stonebridge Group was commended for its strong support of the WEE Policy, with Aduda calling on government agencies, the private sector, civil societies, and local communities to rally behind the policy’s goals, especially in rural areas.
During the discussion, Mrs. Blessing Anunike, Director of Economic Services at the Ministry, highlighted the policy’s focus on a multi-sectoral approach to foster women’s economic participation across various industries, including energy and entrepreneurship. Additionally, she emphasized that the policy aims to address financial inequalities and gender disparities, impacting communities nationwide.
Mrs. Rinmicit Temlong-Aboki, Gender Lead for the Albright Stonebridge Group, encouraged state ministries to develop localized strategies, ensuring that the policy reflects regional needs and effectively achieves its objectives.
Launched in May 2023, the National WEE Policy represents a landmark effort to close the economic gap between genders, promoting a future where Nigerian women are integral to national development.
