The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to unveil a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing women’s empowerment through a web-based portal.This initiative aims to centralize resources and support systems, empowering women to thrive in the workforce and beyond.
Ms. Fatima Abubakar-Faruk, Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, emphasized the transformative impact of the new portal, stating, “By centralizing these opportunities, we aspire to empower every woman who chooses to embark on this transformative journey of economic emancipation.”
The announcement was made during the International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja, in partnership with the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC). Abubakar-Faruk stressed the importance of addressing gender disparities in access to financial resources, asserting, “Investing in women and girls is not only a matter of social justice but also a smart economic decision that can yield remarkable benefits for societies at large.”
Ruth Agbo, President of the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), representing the Executive Director of dRPC, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, echoed the significance of the initiative. Agbo stated, “In dRPC, we have the women economic collectives focused on gender equality, digital inclusion, agricultural engagement, and policies sustaining women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.”
The web-based portal is poised to tackle critical issues such as poverty among women and gender-responsive financing. It aims to bridge the gender gap in accessing financial services and support women-led businesses through access to affordable credit, mentorship networks, and training programs.
“With approximately 50% of Nigerian women living in poverty, initiatives like these are crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering women to thrive,” emphasized Abubakar-Faruk. “Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, we aim to create an enabling environment where Nigerian women can unlock their full potential and contribute to the nation’s development.”
