The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says there is a need for gender-sensitive policies to support women-led businesses.
Bunmi-Kole Dawodu, Lagos manager SMEDAN, spoke over the weekend at the Nimbus Aid Project award.
The project, which is an initiative of Nimbus Media Limited, is aimed at supporting women-led small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) and pre-seed startups to help enhance their visibility, connect them with new customers, and accelerate their growth.
Dawodu said women-led businesses play a huge role in boosting the economy of a country.
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According to Dawodu, if women participated in the economy at the same rate as men, the global gross domestic product (GDP) would increase by up to 26 percent.
“To support and further advance women-led businesses, public policies should aim to create gender-sensitive policies and programs,” he said.
He also asked that the government should ensure access to finance, resources, and networks, foster a supportive business environment that encourages entrepreneurship, and empower women entrepreneurs through training, education, and mentorship.
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Speaking also at the award ceremony, Wale Adegoke, chief executive officer (CEO) of Nimbus Media Limited, said businesses face so many hurdles in today’s ever-changing world.
He, however, said the aid project is important to support women-led businesses and recognise them as the backbone of the nation.
“Their unwavering commitment and sheer determination have allowed them to rise above the most trying circumstances. But they deserve more than just praise for their resilience; they deserve our collective support,” he said.
“As a community, Nigerians must ensure that these businesses not only survive but thrive, and the Nimbus Aid Project exemplifies our shared commitment to this responsibility.
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“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to uplift and empower one another.”
About 20 women-led businesses in Nigeria received N40 million in advertising support in the Nimbus Aid Project.
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