LNigeria is set to host a groundbreaking Conference on Gender Inclusion from January 30 to 31, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Organized by the Office of the Vice President, the event will focus on the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija, announced the conference during a press briefing at the Villa, emphasizing its role in addressing the pressing challenges of women’s empowerment in the country.
“This conference is not just a gathering; it is a call to action,” Hadeija remarked. “We must break down barriers that hinder women’s economic participation. Our commitment to gender equality is unwavering, and this initiative is a testament to that.”
According to Hadeija, the conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration, providing actionable solutions to empower women not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
He highlighted that the #ShesIncluded initiative, stemming from the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion signed on April 25, 2024, will play a central role in the discussions.
“This strategic framework aims to tackle economic challenges holistically and elevate women’s roles in our economy,” Hadeija explained.
The two-day conference will feature a robust lineup of activities. The first day will include an executive session and technical discussions, while the second day will offer a gender masterclass tailored for supply-side stakeholders and a town hall meeting for demand-side participants.
Attendees will range from state governors and parliamentarians to diplomats, industry leaders, and development partners.
Notable participants include Dr. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.
The Vice President will formally open the conference, inaugurate a gender advisory group, and launch the #ShesIncluded initiative.
Hadeija described the event as a unique opportunity to unify efforts toward ensuring women’s access to economic opportunities.
Highlighting the critical role of women in national development, Hadeija stated, “Under President Bola Tinubu, we understand that our nation cannot achieve its full potential without harnessing the talents of our women and girls. Their empowerment is crucial for sustainable development.”
The conference aligns with Nigeria’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
“We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive economically,” Hadeija added.
He also urged media organizations to play a role in amplifying the message of inclusion and opportunity, saying, “Together, we can amplify the message of inclusion and opportunity for our women.”
The Aso Accord, signed in 2024, serves as a comprehensive strategy to address gaps in economic and financial inclusion, particularly for underserved communities like women and youths.
The initiative focuses on providing tools and resources to enhance their participation in the economy, with special attention to regions like Northern Nigeria, where exclusion rates are significantly higher compared to the South.
By targeting these barriers, the conference seeks to bridge the disparities, ensuring women across the nation have equal access to financial and economic empowerment.
