President Bola Tinubu has reinforced his dedication to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria. Speaking at the Women Affairs Ministry’s Empower-Her: Nigeria for Women Farming, Health, Empowerment, Justice, Entertainment, and Fund-raising Dinner, President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s focus on creating a conducive environment where women can thrive. At this event we saw Tinubu’s unshaken commitment to equal opportunities for women.
The President highlighted the significance of addressing challenges faced by women, particularly in agriculture and access to essential resources. His call for collective support from both government and the private sector underlines a shared responsibility to uplift women’s roles in key sectors, thereby promoting national development.
Empowering Women in Agriculture
During the event, Tinubu stressed the need for critical investment in women’s agricultural endeavors. With women making up over 70% of Nigeria’s agricultural labor force, the President reiterated the importance of enhancing access to land, agricultural training, and financial services. According to him, these measures will improve agricultural yields, enhance livelihoods, and contribute significantly to national food security.
Addressing Health and Economic Disparities
The President also addressed pressing health and economic disparities disproportionately affecting women and girls. His focus was on expanding access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, which he believes will empower women to take control of their well-being and livelihoods. This holistic approach aligns with his broader vision of gender-sensitive policies and institutional strengthening to protect women from violence and discrimination.
Private Sector Support and Global Impact
Notable contributions came from key figures like Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), who emphasized the moral and economic benefits of empowering women. Elumelu highlighted UBA’s commitment to gender equality, citing significant female representation in leadership roles within the bank.
Elumelu’s address underscored a $12 trillion global GDP boost by 2025 if the gender gap is closed. His call for collective action from individuals, businesses, and organizations reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving gender parity.
Generous Donations for the Empower-Her Initiative
In support of the initiative, Chief Arthur Eze, a prominent businessman, announced a donation of ₦100 million. Eze’s contribution aims to bolster the efforts of the Empower-Her program, which seeks to uplift women from marginalized communities and drive sustainable change in Nigeria.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and the Empower-Her initiative represents a bold step toward creating lasting change in Nigeria. For more in-depth resources on women’s empowerment and gender equality, visit Genderpedia and explore a range of documents to further your understanding of these critical issues.
