By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have called for more support and opportunities to promote inclusion and women empowerment for sustainable growth and development in the country.

They made the call at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneur (NASME) with a theme,” Empowering Women for Sustainable Success” on Saturday in Abuja.

Dr Tope Fasua, Special Assistant to the President on Economic Affairs office of the Vice President, said women contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and managing resources at the family and national level.

“Women are central to any development of any economy, traditionally and historically, women are central to development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“We have seen instances where our women have saved many families and it is fantastic that we have been able to co-opt this into the women wing of NASME and also recognition from the NANO aspect of the market.

“Our people are not waiting for government; they are being creative rather than getting into crime.

“So it is something we must continue to support and I will also advise in my capacity for government to give more support,” he said.

Also, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, trade and Investment, represented by Mrs Popola Abimbola, Chief Industrial Officer, noted that limited access to finance market and support services are barriers affecting women entrepreneurs.

“Women entrepreneurs still demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination in establishing and growing their businesses.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that facilitates the growth and success of women- owned SMEs.

“We recognise the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with access to affordable financing, business development services, and market opportunities to unleash their full potential,” she said.

Also, Mr Charles Odii, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) said empowering women was strategic for advancing economic development, social progress and inclusive prosperity.

Odii, represented by Regina Bamaiyi, Chief Executive Officer, said: “let us reaffirm our commitment to championing the rights and aspirations of women entrepreneurs.

“Let us work tirelessly and create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, succeed and lead with dignity and determination.”

Dr Abdurashid Yerima, President and Chairman, NASME said the event was to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy and SMEs.

Yerima, underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive business environment, where women can achieve long-term success.

“This means addressing the challenges women entrepreneurs face such as access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities,” he said.

According to him, NASME has trained, organised networking events and partnered with financial institutions to access credit and enable women-owned businesses to thrive.

On his part, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted the immense contributions of women to the growth and development of the country.

Ali also emphasised on media’s role in inspiring inclusion and driving Nigeria’s economic growth and innovation.

“Virtually all media have specific airtime and pages devoted to gender issues, health, empowerment and others that will inspire growth.

“African is a very masculine, patriarchal society, where men dominate and in some cultures, women are seen as second class citizens.

“But with the help of the media, some of these narratives, where women are subjected to the background are being gradually affected and changed for the better,” he said.

Ms. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, said” “empowering women is not just an activity; it is directly linked to improvements in community health and education, which are fundamental to sustainable development.

“Women often reinvest a higher percentage of their income back into their families and communities.

“This reinvestment leads to better-educated and healthier future generations, creating a positive cycle of development.”

Other highlights of the day were panel discussions and conferment of awards to notable personalities for their immense contributions to women empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

By Philip Yatai

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, says good parenting is the key to curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Benjamins-Laniyi stated this at a sensitisation campaign and training, organised to commemorate the 2024 World Family Day, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The events, organised by the Family Department in the Secretariat, is part of a two-day programme which included a seminar for stakeholders and a road show to sensitise Abuja residents to good parenting practices.

The mandate secretary, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoye Kolawole, described family as the bedrock of any nation.

She emphasised the fundamental role of families in shaping society, which in the long run, would help to address the incidence of GBV in communities.

She stressed the need for good parenting practices that would help to nurture a positive environment for our children to grow, thrive and treat one another with dignity.

Benjamins-Laniyi identified key essential principles for effective parenting as love and care for children, listening to children, encouraging good deeds, and consistent discipline.

According to her, families should serve as role models, not only for their children but for all children in the community.

“As we celebrate World Family Day today, there is a need for us to acknowledge that the family is the bedrock of our nation.”

Also, Mrs Beatrice Mubi, Assistant Director, Persons with Disabilities Department, noted that every day, parents with disabilities navigate through everyday challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities.

“Their determination and love demonstrate that the essence of parenting is not defined by physical ability but by the depth of one’s commitment, love, and dedication to their family.

“Family is the cornerstone of our society, and within this cornerstone, parents with disabilities are shining examples of what it means to nurture, protect, and inspire our families for greatness.

“They remind us that true strength lies in our ability to love unconditionally and to rise above adversity.

“As we recognise the efforts of PWDs in good parenting, let us honor their contributions; let us support and uplift them.

“This will ensure that every family, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” Mubi said.

On her part, Mrs Lois Amele, a legal practitioner, pointed out that social norms and power imbalances contributed to the high prevalence of GBV in communities.

According to Amele, GBV not only harms victims physically and emotionally, but also disrupts the overall harmony and stability of the family unit.

Also, a GBV advocate, Mrs Amaka Fowora, stressed the importance of communication, mutual respect, and support systems in curbing GBV.

According to her, families must cultivate a loving and peaceful home to be able to break the cycle of violence that disrupts cohesion among family members.

Similarly, Mrs Agnes Shekwo, a social worker with Breakthrough Nigeria Initiative, an NGO, underscored the benefits of family planning.

Shekwo said that some of the benefits include improved health outcomes for mothers and children, economic stability, and enhanced quality of life. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Justina Auta

The UN Trust Fund in collaboration with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), have partnered to offer toll free helpline to report Gender Based Violence (GBV) and improve virtual management of cases in Nigeria.

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF during the project dissemination and closeout event of the Flashlight Actions on Girls Safety (FLAGS) project on Tuesday in Abuja said the GBV helpline would assist in ending GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

“The GBV free toll helpline that were disseminated today keeps FLAGS project flying because even though FLAGS is closing out GBV has not ended.

“So to keep it flying, we have got this toll free line supported by the UNTrust Fund for people to reach us, flag up cases, set up virtual management and increase stakeholders that we have been working with.

“This will help us manage cases at one sitting to avoid re-traumatisation of the survivor and be able to proffer next steps to take,” she said.

According to her, in the past three years of the project has supported 750 girls in 10 communities within Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT.

“We have been able to build the capacity of 750 girls in 30 safe spaces in Nasarawa, Niger and FCT to prevent, respond and refer GBV cases.

“The girls are more aware, they are confident and know that anyone can be a perpetrator and know what to do and where to go if they are violated or know someone who has been violated.”

According to her, the major outcome of the project was the virtual case management, which is a girl centered multi sectoral approach to GBV.

“We have been able to meet and handle 162 cases, two are in courts, two are in shelter, some are going through psychosocial support,” she said.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, commended TCF for the successes recorded in implementing the FLAGS project and reducing GBV in the country.

Eyong, represented by Patience Ekechukwu, Programme Officer for Women’s Economic Empowerment, noted that in spite of existing legal frameworks and policies, GBV and harmful traditional practices against women and girls still exist.

“Ending violence against women and girls that is why we are gathered here to look at issues and solutions and what we can do to ensure that women and girls in Nigeria live free from violence.

“UN Women is committed to working with government agencies, CSOs, traditional and religious organisations to prevent the violence that affects millions of women around the world.

“We all have critical role to play in ending violence against women and girls. We must speak out against harassment, violence in our work places, various religious platforms, through the media.

“We need to lend our voices to be heard to ensure that the world is free from violence against women and girls,” she said.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of excellence awards to notable persons and communities for their supports in ensuring the success of the FLAGS project.

Others include: fireside chats with project beneficiaries and stakeholders, as well as the launch of the TCF GBV Helpline, 0800 0040 404. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Justina Auta

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Women for Women International have identified social and cultural norms as barriers to women’s freedom of speech and participation in democracy in Nigeria.

They made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a roundtable on the publication of a research project titled ”Listen to Women: Identifying Barriers to Women’s Freedom of Speech and Participation in Democracy in Nigeria.”

They said that addressing these challenges would not only enhance women freedom of speech, but also enhance adequate participation in democracy.

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director, WARDC, noted that the prevalence of sociocultural norms still affected the ability of women to participate in peace processes in their communities and states.

Akiyode-Afolabi said “Women who have information and could support peace processes are being denied the opportunity to participate in spite of the fact that the country has signed the UN security council resolution.

“The peace security architecture in the state is not allowing women and accepting women to be part of it.

“The project is called Listen to Women: Identifying the barriers Against Women’s Freedom of Speech and Participation in Democracy. It’s a project that focuses specifically on Plateau State but however has a national coverage.”

She explained that one of the recommendations of the research was for government to engender its security architecture to ensure that more women participate, especially in Plateau State, where the research was carried out.

“Plateau State has signed the Gender and Equal Opportunity bill into law, which allows for women’s equal participation, so we are calling on the government to ensure that the law becomes activated,” she said.

Also, Zainab Gbobaniyi, Advocacy Coordinator, Women for Women (WfWI) said the event was aimed at disseminating the research findings.

“The research being an evidence based and carried out in five communities in Plateau State cutting across three local governments of Jos East, Riyom and Pankshin, tells the stories directly from the women themselves,” she said.

Also, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT),  Mandate Secretary, said the direction of the present administration was geared towards promoting the well-being of women, increasing their political participation and empowerment.

Bemjamins-Laniyi, while speaking on domestic violence and early child marriage, said “forming coalitions, working with traditional councils and working with male champions have yielded a lot of results and I think that is a very good approach.” (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Justina Auta

The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, and some stakeholders have called for more strategies and investment in accelerating women’s progress for the development of the country.

They made the call at the 2024 Biennial Convention organised by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention has “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” as its theme.

Represented by Mrs Chioma Hope-Uzodinma, wife of Imo Governor, the first lady said the convention was a call to action as it underscores the vital role women play in driving progress and developments in the society.

She explained it was also an opportunity to look inwards, discuss and strategise on ways to further advance the goals of women in the country.

She added that “when we invest in women, we invest in the future of our nation. When women are given the right opportunities, they contribute effectively to economic growth, social stability and sustainable development.

“I, therefore, call on the private sector, development partners and individuals to support what government is doing and we redouble efforts in investing in women.

“As women and mothers, we must continue to preach peace, unity, love and prosperity. We must pray for our nation and encourage our children to be law abiding.

“Women must also strongly resolve to work together to support and help one another.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, urged women to participate in government programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and improving their economic status.

Kennedy-Ohanenye said the newly inaugurated E-market portal would unlock market barriers and enable Nigerian women to access more funding opportunities and empowerment initiatives to raise their standard.

On her part, the National President of NCWS, Mrs Lami Adamu-Lau, said “the convention is to highlight the council’s contributions toward the advancement of women’s rights in Nigeria and to emphasise the need for more investment in women.

“Women stand as pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, yet they continue to face barriers that hinder their progress.

“This is why it is imperative that we invest in women, their education, their health, their economic empowerment, and their leadership.”

Also, Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, said “the surest way for Nigeria to get it right is by investing more in women because women nurture the family and every development starts from the home.

“If we have better families, we will have better societies, communities and a better nation,” she said.

Dr Goodness Chidi, the Programme Manager, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), also stressed the need to invest in women to achieve optimal nutrition security for citizens.

Former NCWS National President, Mrs Ekemi Okemini, urged the government to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action to enable women to participate in both elective and appointed government positions.

NAN reports that other events of the day were the conferment of awards to 30 notable Nigerians for their support toward women’s progress, addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV), among others.

Some award recipients include the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Mr Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and some state governor’s wives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Aderogba George

FAB Treasure Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has advocated access to menstrual health and hygiene education for women and girls in rural communities.

Miss Festus Abigail, the Executive Director of the foundation made the call on Monday, at Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Abuja during a sensitisation and empowerment programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme with the theme, “Embracing Sustainable Solutions for Menstrual Hygiene’’ is supported by ActionAid Nigeria.

Abigail said access to menstrual hygiene products is crucial to healthy living, well-being, and dignity of all women and girls in the society.

“The Kuchingoro IDP camp is a home to displaced persons as well as vulnerable populations (women and girls) facing significant challenges in several areas including poverty and poor access to menstrual hygiene.

“Our aim of visiting the camp is to educate the people on menstrual health and hygiene, emphasising the significance of adopting proper menstrual care practices.

“We are also carrying out this task to dispel myths and stigmas associated with menstruation,’’ she said

Abigael added: “I firmly believe that, empowering women to take charge of their menstrual health is not just essential, but transformative.

“When women have the tools and knowledge to manage their menstruation confidently and hygienically, they gain a sense of empowerment and dignity that transcend beyond their physical well-being.

“We envision a world where young women and girls are well-guided, inspired, educated, and empowered’’.

She said her foundation had introduced to the people, the concept of reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to combat period poverty.

NAN reports that some women shared their menstrual experiences and the challenges faced in accessing products in helping them to maintain hygiene.

Mrs Hannatu Isah, one of the women in the camp, said that most of the women there barely think about buying sanitary pads for themselves or their daughters because of the current economic hardship.

The women showed eagerness to learn and gain valuable insights that would empower them to better manage their periods.

They expressed gratitude to the NGO for providing free reusable sanitary pads which, according to them, would serve for the next one year, if properly maintained.

NAN reports that Miss Emoregan-Lucy Ogheneruru, a Community Health Practitioner taught the women, step by step guidance on how to maintain hygiene and the risk associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Justina Auta

Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), a non-governmental organisation has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria Plc to promote financial inclusion initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Mrs Elizabeth Duile, Chief Operations Officer and Founder of CAF, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Duile said through the partnership, the foundation successfully established savings accounts for 80 women residing in the IDP camp located in Wassa District of the FCT.

She highlighted the challenges faced by these women, many of whom had lost crucial documents such as identity cards and National Identification Numbers (NIN).

This she said, hindered their ability to access banking services, obtain loans, and achieve financial inclusion.

According to her, the initiative, known as the CAF-Women Empowerment Programme (CAF-WEP), seeks to combat poverty and empower displaced women through skill-building, financial access, and interest-free loans.

“These efforts are geared towards ensuring that they are economically empowered and can grow their small businesses to skills under our CAF-WEP programme.

“CAF has made strides in empowering women through the CAFWEP interest-free loan program.

“The loans have helped them to start or expand small businesses such as buying and selling of foodstuff, catering, mini marts and farming,” she said.

She said that the challenge of having to pay the women in cash or third party bank accounts necessitated the  initiative.

“This affects accountability and tracking of disbursed funds.

“It also excluded some women who could not present bank accounts to their customers when asked, especially on their weekly market days.

“So we took a genuine step towards financial inclusion.

“By forging a partnership with FBN,  over 80 women were empowered; these are women that never had the experience and security of a bank account or bank verification numbers (BVN),” she said.

She reiterated the commitment of the foundation to tackling poverty, gender inequality affecting women, especially those who are victims of violent conflicts and acts of terrorism.

“One can only imagine the reality of owning a business in modern times without certain financial tools such as bank accounts.

”This has deprived some customers from making purchases from these women.

“A good number of persons go to the market to make purchases and the only tool they go with is an ATM card, this automatically excludes a category of traders.

“Through these businesses, they make a living and support their families, ensure their children receive education, and contribute to the economy, ’she said.

Duile said that the foundation was also involved in providing support for less privileged children, especially those in the IDPs camps to access quality education.

According to her, this will enable them to explore their potentials and achieve their dreams for the benefit of the nation.

“We need to support these vulnerable children who have been victims of violent conflicts across Nigeria, and most of them reside in the IDP camps.

The “CAF-Kit a child School Outreach Programme’’ provided desk-chairs, books and writing materials to some schools around IDP camps, ” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Joseph Edeh