Nigeria is gearing up to host a pivotal conference on gender inclusion, set to take place on January 30 and 31, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This conference, organised by the Office of the Vice President, is expected to be a landmark event, focusing on the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion.”
The aim of the conference is to address the significant barriers preventing women from fully participating in the economy and driving their empowerment, both in Nigeria and across Africa. The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, revealed the details during a press briefing on Tuesday, underscoring the critical need for such a platform to tackle these pressing issues.
Senator Hadejia emphasised that the conference is not merely a gathering but a call to action. He said, “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.” The event is designed to be a space for collaboration, offering practical solutions to empower women throughout the continent.
This initiative stems from the #ShesIncluded campaign, which was launched following the signing of the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion on April 25, 2024. This strategic framework aims to address the broader economic challenges facing women and to strengthen their roles within the economy, Hadejia explained.
The two-day event will kick off with an executive session and technical discussions on the first day. The second day will feature a gender masterclass for supply-side actors and a town hall meeting for demand-side actors. The conference will bring together a diverse range of participants, including state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, parliamentarians, as well as international dignitaries like the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed. Industry leaders, diplomats, and development partners will also attend, offering a broad spectrum of expertise.
Senator Hadejia also highlighted that the Vice President will officially open the conference, inaugurate a new gender advisory group, and launch the #ShesIncluded initiative, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s gender equality efforts. “This is an opportunity for us to unite in our efforts to ensure that every woman has access to economic opportunities,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Senator Hadejia stressed the importance of women’s contributions to the country’s development. He said, “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, 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 also aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As Hadejia put it, “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive economically.”
