EU provides support for Women Affairs Commissioners on gender equality
By Angela Atabo
The European Union (EU), says it has provided support for state Commissioners for Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries on the advancement of gender equality and rights in Nigeria.
Ms Laolu Olawumi, the EU’s Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender, said this at a two-day conference tailored for state Commissioners of Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries in Abuja on Thursday.
Olawumi said that the event which was in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) aimed to provide them with the technical support needed to address issues affecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups nationwide.
She said that against the backdrop of International Women’s Day 2024, the conference marked a significant step toward achieving the 2024 theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”
“The conference structure is designed to furnish the Commissioners with the tools required to effectively confront and resolve rights issues.
“Moreover, the event serves as a knowledge-sharing forum beyond its primary role of offering technical assistance.
“The EU’s support includes ensuring that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive.
“This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development,” she said.
She added: “Under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the conference fosters a meaningful exchange of insights and strategies among state Women’s Affairs Commissioners.
“This will , bolster their ability to advocate for gender equality within their jurisdictions.”
Olawumi said that the event was part of the second phase of the European Union’s Support to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) programme implemented by IIDEA and based on the achievements of its preceding phase.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Samuela Isopi, stated that the second RoLAC phase was to sustain the momentum and continue the EU’s efforts in supporting the Nigerian governments objective of strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It was clear to the European Union that a second phase of the RoLAC was essential to consolidate the progress and continue the commendable work done on enhancing the rule of law in Nigeria,”she said.
Also speaking ,the Imo Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Nkechinyere Ugwu,commended EU for the initiative.
“The conference is very important to us, as it gives us an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and develop practicable solutions for our work, which focuses on human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations.”
The Abia Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs Ngozi Felix, said that the conference was a cornerstone for the people in Abia to forge stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that would directly impact the lives of women and children.
“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.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa
Published By

- Senior Editor
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