Nigeria to Host Conference on Gender Inclusion from January 30-31, 2025
Nigeria will host a pivotal conference on Gender Inclusion at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, from January 30 to 31, 2025. The conference, themed ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,’ is organized by the Office of the Vice President.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday, Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), emphasized the importance of the conference in addressing the urgent challenges related to women’s empowerment. He stressed that the conference is not merely a gathering but a call to action to break down barriers hindering women’s economic participation.
“We must break down barriers that hinder women’s economic participation. Our commitment to gender equality is unwavering, and this initiative is a testament to that,” Hadeija remarked.
The conference will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on actionable solutions for empowering women across Nigeria and the African continent. It is part of the #ShesIncluded initiative, born from the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion, signed on April 25, 2024. This strategic framework aims to tackle economic challenges holistically and elevate women’s roles in the economy.
The two-day event will feature executive sessions and technical discussions on the first day, followed by a gender masterclass for supply-side actors and a town hall meeting for demand-side actors on the second day. The conference will include participation from state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, parliamentarians, Dr. Amina Mohammed (Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations), diplomats, industry leaders, and development partners.
The Vice President will officially open the conference, inaugurate a gender advisory group, and launch the #ShesIncluded initiative, which aims to provide economic opportunities to every woman.
Hadeija highlighted the significance of women’s contributions to national development, stating, “Under President Bola Tinubu, we understand that our nation cannot achieve its full potential without harnessing the talents of our women and girls. Their empowerment is crucial for sustainable development.”
The conference aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It also aims to foster an inclusive environment where women can thrive economically.
The Aso Accord, signed on April 25, 2024, addresses gaps in economic and financial inclusion by empowering underserved communities, especially women and youths, with the tools and resources needed for full participation in the economy.
Particular attention will be given to addressing gender inclusion barriers in Northern Nigeria, where exclusion rates are as high as 38% in the North-East and 47% in the North-West, compared to much lower rates in the South-West (5%) and South-South (10%).
The conference is set to be a landmark event for advancing women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.
