- Agency Report
The Federal Government on Tuesday restated its commitment to advancing economic inclusion for women and underserved communities across the country.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, stated this at a news conference on the forthcoming gender inclusion conference — Project #ShesIncluded, on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion”, will hold on Thursday, Jan. 30 and Friday, Jan. 31, at the State House.
He explained that the conference would provide a platform to address pressing challenges related to women’s economic empowerment and inclusion from a holistic perspective.
He added that “this flagship initiative is part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion.
“It will serve as pivotal platform to promote dialogue, collaboration and actionable solutions aimed at empowering women and addressing critical issues of gender equality across Nigeria and the African continent.
“The #Shesincluded initiative is a direct offshoot of the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion, signed on April 25, 2024, under the leadership of the-Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
Hadejia further stated that the accord serves as a strategic framework aimed at leveraging holistic approach to addressing economic and financial inclusion challenges in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference represents a critical milestone in the journey toward gender equity, financial inclusion and attaining the target of SDG 5 in Nigeria, among others.
“This transformative summit underscores Federal Government’s commitment to advancing economic inclusion for women and underserved communities across the nation.
“It also aligns with this administration’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, equitable opportunities, and active participation of women in national development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“We recognise that no society can achieve its full potential without harnessing the talents and contributions of its women and girls.”
He said that the first day of the conference would focus on an executive session and a technical session, adding that the second day would focus on a gender masterclass for supply-side actors and a town hall meeting for demand-side actors.
He added that the event would bring together an array of esteemed participants, including state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, parliamentarians, diplomats, captains of industries and development partners.
“Their presence will enrich discussions and strengthen our collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more inclusive Nigeria.
“Vice-President Shettima will officially open the event, inaugurate the gender advisory group and launch the initiative #ShesIncluded.”
Earlier, Alhaji Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, said that the initiative was about breaking barriers, building resilience in supporting Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion for women.
Also, Hauwa Liman, the Technical Adviser to the Vice-President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, said no nation can attain full national development without harnessing the potential of women.
She explained that the project #ShesIncluded was a component of the Aso Accord initiative aim at identifying the gaps particularly in terms of economic and financial inclusion targeting the disadvantage communities and demographics of which women fall into that category. NAN