UN Women Applauds Nigeria’s Progress on Women’s Empowerment Ahead…

UN Women has praised Nigeria for its advancements in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly regarding women’s participation in politics and economic empowerment. The UK supports new legislation for special women’s seats. UBA plans initiatives for International Women’s Day to empower women financially. Stakeholders are convening to boost political representation among marginalized groups, emphasizing ongoing challenges and goals ahead of CSW69.

In anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, UN Women has acknowledged Nigeria’s significant strides in executing the Beijing Platform for Action, particularly regarding women’s political representation, economic empowerment, education, and combating gender-based violence. During a strategic gathering in Abuja, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of continuing this advancement as Nigeria prepares for CSW69.

The United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliament Association has endorsed legislation that proposes special seats for women within Nigeria’s National and State Houses of Assembly. This initiative coincides with ongoing constitutional reviews aimed at increasing women’s representation at various governmental levels.

In related developments, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc announced comprehensive initiatives throughout March to commemorate International Women’s Day, reinforcing its pledge towards enhancing gender equality and financial empowerment across Africa. The bank’s program aims to tackle pressing health, social, and economic challenges faced by women while providing customized financial resources to promote their growth.

Concerns about the participation of women, children, and Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in national affairs prompted a gathering of stakeholders in Abuja. This conference focused on advocating for vulnerable citizens, as participants identified critical strategies to enhance engagement and representation for marginalized groups.

The Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development urged collective efforts to bolster women’s involvement in politics, citing the underrepresentation of women despite their majority demographic presence. Stakeholders advocated for reforms to improve women’s political participation and increase their influence in governance.

In her remarks, Ms. Eyong reiterated UN Women’s dedication to supporting Nigeria in achieving its gender equality objectives. She noted, “This consultation is a crucial step in ensuring that Nigeria’s national report for CSW69 is inclusive, reflective of diverse perspectives… aligning with the realities of women and girls across the country.”

During the discussion, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the importance of celebrating Nigeria’s progress since the Beijing Declaration and assessing the effectiveness of policies aimed at women’s empowerment. She highlighted the necessity to review past challenges and define best practices moving forward.

During a visit to Nigeria, Kate Ofunne Osamor represented UK Parliament members advocating for the bill proposing special parliamentary seats for women, emphasizing its significance for gender inclusivity in government. The proposed legislation aims to enhance women’s representation and empower their voices in governance at both federal and state levels.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, UBA will implement various programs including webinars on women’s health, business events, and educational initiatives aimed at young schoolgirls. These are designed to promote financial literacy and empower women entrepreneurs, showcasing UBA’s commitment to supporting female advancement in all sectors.

The recognition and initiatives surrounding women’s empowerment in Nigeria reflect a collective desire for substantial progress in gender equality. Key stakeholders, including UN Women, the UK Parliament, and UBA, are making concerted efforts toward increasing women’s political representation, economic independence, and social inclusion. As Nigeria prepares for upcoming global discussions on gender issues, the need for collaborative and effective strategies remains critical.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com