FG launches policy to boost women participation in economic programmes

The federal executive council (FEC) has approved the women economic empowerment (WEE) policy to drive female participation in nation-building.

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, announced the development on Wednesday.

Tallen said the policy which was initiated to get women into the mainstream of the country’s financial plans would also drive gender equality, women empowerment, and poverty reduction.

She noted that the policy would recognise cross-cutting enablers such as women’s financial inclusion (WFI), literacy, digital innovation, literacy, access, household, workplace, and community support structures.

“Its existence, and even more so, this strategy note, is a testament to the potential and power of coordinated efforts to deliver on our shared goals and aspirations – to see and live in a Nigeria where the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable persons are truly respected in all ramifications,” the minister said.

Tallen noted that women in Nigeria face disparities in accessing financial benefits as well as in economic, political, and social spheres, in spite of their huge contribution in all areas of society and their population.

“If 50 percent of the population is neglected, it means the country cannot develop optimally, it’s like a country walking with one leg,” she said.

She said the policy had been in the works for over a year and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for leaving a legacy behind.

“We’ve traversed the country, to the 36 states, having dialogues with the private sector, rural dwellers, to find the best way to empower women and get them into the mainstream of nation building,” the minister said.

“This has been a dream we’ve been pursuing, and finally, Mr President gave the stamp. It is a legacy that Mr President is leaving behind by approving this women’s economic empowerment to help get women into the mainstream of financial plans to ensure that women are carried along in nation building.”