Public-Private Partnerships Key to Gender Equality: NGX and Musawa Advocate Action
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has advocated for public-private partnerships to promote gender equality in Nigeria. During the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, she emphasized the importance of addressing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and called for decisive actions and increased funding opportunities. Key stakeholders, including the NGX Group, support initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s access to capital and participation in various sectors.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting gender equality. During the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration held by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos, Musawa stressed the need to address challenges that hinder women’s and girls’ potential. The event’s theme, “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” underscores the urgency of these initiatives.
Musawa referenced a report from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), indicating that women-owned businesses contribute $15 billion to the nation’s economy. However, she pointed out that access to capital remains a significant hurdle for women entrepreneurs. She asserted, “Building a gender-equal future requires collaboration between the public and private sectors,” calling for actionable measures that will help bridge the gender gap in society.
The minister further emphasized the need to establish funding opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs, focusing on sustainable growth that empowers women to lead and innovate. Musawa recognized the NGX’s efforts in mobilizing capital markets to benefit women-led businesses and gender-focused initiatives, reiterating the necessity of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals.
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, echoed Musawa’s sentiments, emphasizing that achieving gender equality requires bold actions from the private sector, government, and society. He noted that easy access to capital for women is crucial for an inclusive and prosperous economy. The NGX is committed to increasing women’s participation in capital markets through targeted educational programs and detailed gender impact assessments.
Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, applauded the contributions of women within the NGX, encouraging ongoing mutual support among women for greater achievements. Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighted the importance of mutual respect and care for women and acknowledged their resourcefulness and hard work.
Ms. Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, advocated for stronger collaboration between NGX and the government to enhance investment opportunities for women. Franca Chukwugor, Executive Commissioner at SEC, encouraged women to empower themselves with financial knowledge while avoiding illegal investments.
Serah Ockman from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) urged women to prioritize investments, while Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, called for public-private partnerships to foster an economic environment where women can access necessary resources.
Hilda Baci, CEO of Food by Hilda, encouraged women to continue learning and supporting each other until equitable societal conditions are achieved.
In summary, the dialogue at the 2025 International Women’s Day event underscored the crucial role of public-private collaboration in achieving gender equality. Key figures emphasized the need for systemic change to ensure women have access to resources, capital, and support. Advancing gender parity not only empowers women but also contributes to the overall prosperity of society, highlighting the importance of collective action across all sectors.
Original Source: nannews.ng
