EU partners commissioners for women affairs on rights, gender equality

The European Union (EU) and International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) in collaboration with the federal ministry of women affairs are working with commissioners for women and their permanent secretaries in the states to advance gender equality and women’s rights.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day conference in Abuja on Thursday, Laolu Olawumi, EU’s programme manager on democracy, rule of law and gender, said the event was created to provide the participants with the needed support to tackle issues affecting women and children.

Olawumi said the conference aimed at achieving the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day which is to “drive inclusion”.

“EU’s support includes ensuring that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive,” she said.

“This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development.”

Speaking at the event, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, said President Bola Tinubu would unveil a five-year EU programme for Nigerian women in March.

The minister said stakeholders should work closely with the federal and state governments to achieve inclusiveness and justice for women in the country.

Ngozi Felix, commissioner for women affairs in Abia state, said the organisers are providing a platform to empower the vulnerable in the society.

“This gathering is a cornerstone for us in Abia State to forge stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that directly impact the lives of women and children,” Felix said.

“It is an invaluable platform for learning and exchanging ideas that can be transformed into actionable strategies for gender equality and the empowerment of the most vulnerable in our society.”