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The National Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE, Policy has been launched in Kwara State with a call on stakeholders to support the initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses.
Launching the domestication of the policy in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq noted that the initiative would create more opportunities for women and break the systemic barriers that women face in access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.
Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the State had earlier set a national benchmark in Gender Composition Bill which mandates at least 35% women in appointive positions, and a cabinet that once comprised over 56% women.
He commended the Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Kwara First lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq for their support to gender inclusion and women empowerment in the state.
In an address, wife of the State Governor, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, pointed out that the domestication of WEE policy in the state exemplifies the collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social economic outcomes across the state.
She lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, assuring that her office would continue to complement the government in promoting the interest of female gender.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, said the administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to women empowerment.
In a message, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Ibrahim represented by Dr Jummai Idonije stated that with the new policy, the chances of advancing economic opportunities for women were very high.
The programme, which was organised by the office of the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, makes Kwara the first State in the North Central to domestic the national policy.
By Abdullahi Ahmed
