By Okon Okon
Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), says the newly introduced INSPIRE programme is designed to dismantle structural barriers limiting advancement of women in Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack stated this on Thursday during the second day of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja with the theme “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, had officially unveiled the INSPIRE initiative during the International Civil Service Conference.
The head of service, therefore, said INSPIRE, an acronym for Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women in the Federal Civil Service, is aimed at promoting gender-inclusive leadership and institutional excellence.
According to her, the initiative will strengthen institutional capacity, build individual confidence and create an enabling environment for women across the Federal Civil Service.
She added that “INSPIRE provides a structured framework for leadership development, peer mentoring, career development, disability, institutional and volunteer and monetary support with clear metrics for success.”
She explained that the programme would connect women across all cadres of the civil service, from junior to senior officers, through a sustainable network that would extend beyond conferences and workshops.
She added that the initiative would also create platforms for women to actively participate in reform processes and contribute meaningfully to public sector transformation.
Walson-Jack described the programme as “a strategic investment in innovation, inclusive governance and national development.
“Reform must carry women along. Innovation must benefit from women’s ideas, while institutions must recognise the capacity and contributions of women.
“No civil service can attain its full potential when the energy, ideas and initiatives of women are underutilised.”
The HCSF commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting women-focused initiatives and inclusive national development.
She also appreciated international development partners and stakeholders for their support towards building a competitive, equitable and effective civil service.
According to her, INSPIRE must evolve into a sustainable institutional movement that promotes mentorship, opportunity, solidarity and gender-inclusive reforms across the Federal Civil Service.
She reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions through inclusive leadership and innovation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
