At the conclusion of the 2024 National Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society, held from September 3-4, 2024, stakeholders have called on both Federal and State Governments to prioritize the implementation of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy. The conference, themed ‘Socio-economic Development in Nigeria: Imperatives, Implications, and Impacts,’ underscored the policy as a critical strategy to address the country’s escalating issues with Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Launched in May 2023, the National WEE Policy and its accompanying action plan were designed as a comprehensive framework to advance women’s economic empowerment through diverse and inclusive strategies. The policy aims to transform the Federal Government’s approach to empowering women, focusing on sustainable economic growth and bridging gender gaps both nationally and at subnational levels.
Globally, the World Health Organization reports that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, predominantly from intimate partners. The United Nations defines such violence as any act of gender-based violence likely to result in physical, sexual, or mental harm, including threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
During a panel session titled ‘Economic Policy Shocks and the Role of WEE Policy Domestication as a Framework for Responding to Household Poverty,’ Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, Executive Director of the Development Research and Projects Centre, emphasized the importance of domesticating the WEE Policy at subnational levels. She argued that the policy provides essential principles to guide policymakers in improving the economic well-being of women, addressing local needs while aligning with national goals.
Dr. Walker highlighted that implementing the policy at both federal and state levels would establish a framework for effective decision-making, ensuring that actions such as budgeting and planning align with the policy’s values and objectives. She added, “The policy is Nigeria’s only policy instrument around which a strong economic case can be made, targeting vulnerable, at-risk, and disabled women, as well as survivors of GBV.”
She further explained that empowering women significantly reduces the likelihood of abuse, as research shows that economic empowerment lowers the risk of GBV. Dr. Walker called for a concerted effort across all levels of government to ensure the policy’s implementation.
Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Akwa Ibom State, reported that her state is nearing completion in the domestication and implementation of the WEE policy. She urged all 36 state governments to prioritize the policy, noting that empowering women could inject an additional $6 billion into Nigeria’s economy, boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In her remarks, Professor Hauwa Yusuf condemned GBV perpetrators and called for stricter measures to protect and support victims. She emphasized that economically empowered women would not only support their families but also contribute to community development and national progress. Professor Yusuf described the WEE policy as a valuable tool for coordinating donor programs and private sector investments, improving resource use, and enhancing accountability.
The call for action reflects a growing recognition of the WEE policy’s potential to unify women-focused initiatives, optimize resource use, and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for effective implementation.
