Federal government has restated its commitment to advance economic inclusion for women and underserved communities across the country.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, stated this at a news conference on the forthcoming gender inclusion conference — “Project #ShesIncluded” , Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the conference, with the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,”
will hold on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31, at the State House.
Hadejia explained that the conference would provide a platform to address pressing challenges related to women’s economic empowerment and inclusion from a holistic perspective.
He added that “this flagship initiative is part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion.
“It will serve as a pivotal platform to promote dialogue, collaboration and actionable solutions aimed at empowering women and addressing critical issues of gender equality across Nigeria and the African continent.
“The #Shesincluded initiative is a direct offshoot of Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion, signed on April 25, 2024, under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
Hadejia stated that the accord serves as a strategic framework aimed at leveraging hostlistic approach to address economic and financial inclusion challenges in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference represents a critical milestone in the journey toward gender equity, financial inclusion and attaining the target of SDG 5 in Nigeria, among others.
“This transformative summit underscores the federal government’s commitment to advance economic inclusion for women and underserved communities across the nation.
“It also aligns with this administration’s commitment to foster inclusivity, equitable opportunities and active participation of women in national development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
“We recognise that no society can achieve its full potentials without harnessing the talents and contributions of its women and girls.”
He noted that the first day of the conference would focus on executive and technical sessions, adding that the second day would focus on a gender masterclass for supply-side actors and a town hall meeting for demand-side actors.
He added that the event would bring together, an array of esteemed participants, including governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, parliamentarians, diplomats, captains of industries and development partners.
“Their presence will enrich discussions and strengthen our collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more inclusive Nigeria.
“Vice President Shettima will officially open the event, inaugurate the gender advisory group and launch the initiative, #ShesIncluded.”
Earlier, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Alhaji Nurudeen Zauro said the initiative is about breaking barriers, building resilience in supporting Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion for women.
Also, the Technical Adviser to the Vice-President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, Hauwa Liman, said no nation can attain full national development without harnessing the potentials of women.
She explained that the project is a component of the Aso Accord initiative aimed at identifying the gaps, particularly in terms of economic and financial inclusion targeting the disadvantaged communities and demographics of which women fall into that categories. NAN
