The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and North Central States are pushing policy reforms to expand women’s access to finance, agribusiness, technology and political participation, while strengthening child protection and social inclusion ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs.
The proposals dominated discussions at the 3-Day North Central Pre-Council Zonal Technical Workshop in Minna, where stakeholders met to harmonise recommendations for consideration at the National Council.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Esuabana Nko Asanye, the Principal Administrative Officer, Chukwu Ifunanya Salome said the ministry remains committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment, gender equality and social protection through policies that improve the lives of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
She described the National Council on Women Affairs as a strategic platform for developing policies that promote sustainable livelihoods, healthcare, education and economic opportunities for women, while urging participants to submit practical recommendations on gender main streaming, child rights, reproductive health, social welfare and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
According to her, the workshop will review the implementation of resolutions from the 25th National Council in Edo State and produce memoranda to guide deliberations at the forthcoming council.
Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hadiza Idris Kuta, in her welcome address said the state is using the workshop to push key components of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s New Niger Agenda into national policy.
She said Niger is advocating greater support for women in agribusiness, improved access to finance for female entrepreneurs, stronger child protection laws, expanded opportunities in ICT and technology, and better access to quality education and healthcare for children.
Kuta also called for increased women’s participation in governance and politics, alongside stronger support for vulnerable groups to ensure they are not left behind.
She maintained, ” Niger State is expanding the Nigeria for Women Project to all 25 local government areas while pursuing the establishment of fully funded nutrition and disability directorates and harmonised implementation of the Child Rights Law, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and Women, Peace and Security action plans across the North Central region.”
The commissioner noted that the Bago administration has appointed more than 130 women into political offices, including 25 female vice-chairpersons across the state’s 25 local government areas, while expanding the Nigeria for Women Project and strengthening nutrition, disability and child protection initiatives.
“We must move beyond policy documents and ensure implementation. It is only through action that we can achieve measurable progress in the lives of women, children and vulnerable members of our society,” she said.
The three-day workshop brought together commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and technical experts from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and North Central states to harmonise regional positions ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs.
