To empower women entrepreneurs nationwide, the Federal Government has partnered with UN Women to implement Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiatives, focusing specifically on Affirmative Procurement Reforms.
Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, announced this collaborative effort during a meeting with a delegation from UN Women in Abuja. He highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including limited access to capital and complex procurement processes.
Aduda underscored the significance of prioritizing Women’s Economic Empowerment, stating that it not only unleashes their full potential but also enhances their contribution to nation-building while safeguarding them against marginalization.
The Affirmative Procurement Project, according to Aduda, seeks to remove barriers and tackle structural challenges hindering the growth of women entrepreneurs. Its goal is to prioritize women in procurement initiatives, thereby strengthening their economic foundations and fostering their meaningful contributions to both family well-being and the nation’s GDP.
To ensure effective implementation, Aduda revealed the establishment of a National Steering Committee. He mentioned that Kaduna and Lagos States have already piloted a Gender Responsive Procurement Policy and are awaiting gubernatorial consent for full-scale implementation.
Expressing appreciation to UN Women for their support, Aduda announced plans for a National Policy Dialogue to sensitize stakeholders and the public on the benefits of Gender Responsive Procurement for economic development.
Zephania Aura, Acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for fostering an enabling environment for women’s economic advancement. He reiterated UN Women’s commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment as a crucial avenue for promoting female entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
