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  • Expert seeks inclusion of women in peace process

    Expert seeks inclusion of women in peace process

    A conflict specialist, Cosmos Dinee, has called for inclusion of more women in peace process.

    He made the call during Ebonyi State Quarterly Conflict Prevention and Mitigation Dialogue.

    The event was organised by the State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity at its Field Office in Abakaliki.

    Speaking on Participation and Roles of Women in Conflict Prevention and Mitigation, Dinee said women had a lot to offer in conflict prevention, mitigation and resolution process.

    He said women brought alternative perspectives to conflict prevention.

     He noted that many women, who might want to take part in peace processes, were often discouraged by certain laws and customs. Delivering another lecture on implications of conflicts on public financial management and service delivery, Dinee noted that conflicts affected businesses adversely.

    Read Also: FG to punish women who protect paedophile husbands

    The conflict specialist said vandalism of infrastructure due to violence leads to loss of income, which in turn affects the income generation of businesses and government.

    A lawyer, Onyedikachi Ewa from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said women and children were the main victims of conflicts.

    Hailing State2State for the impact it had made in the state, she called for its sustainability and stepping down of the knowledge and solution proffered at the meeting.

    The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Ifeanyi Igurube, said the quarterly meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to carry out a review and map out new strategies for conflict mitigation, prevention and resolution in the state.

  • FG to punish women who protect paedophile husbands

    FG to punish women who protect paedophile husbands

    The federal government says women who protect husbands that molest their children would also be charged with negligence.

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, who made the statement, emphasised that the government will no longer tolerate mothers preventing legal action against those who molest their children.

    She added that the government’s primary concern is the well-being of the child, saying that mother should not protect their husbands from legal consequences.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye made the statement in Abuja at a one day awareness creation programme on using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address Gender Based Violence (GBV), organised by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

    She said her ministry is fighting for the establishment of mobile courts all over the country to fight cases if GBV and added that the President is in support because he is a he for she.

    She noted: “Now we can fight for the establishment of mobile courts to help fight GBV and the President is supporting it. Women should not take the advantage of this establishment to start causing trouble or maltreating our men but give peace a chance.

    “As Women we also say no to violence and no to molestation. For instance, not only would men who molest their children be taken to court but the mothers would also be charged for negligence, we would no longer tolerate mothers whose children have been molested saying they don’t want their husbands to be taken to court because our interest is in the child.

    Read Also: Lack of census has created information vacuum, says NPC Chairman

    “We want to work towards women being well empowered, no more handouts, why things has not been working in this country is because they kept us aside, the President is a he for she so we are going to capitalise on it and achieve what we want so that women can come on board. So now we have to start encouraging our girls to go into anything thry want to do.”

    The Director General of the center, Dr. Asabe Bashir, said in their effort to combat gender-based violence, at the center thry are using ICT innovative solutions to spotlight GBV cases.

    She said their Electronic Dash Board displays secondary data collated on reported and convicted cases disaggregated by sex and age.

    She noted: “These are verified cases sourced from Newspaper Reports and online news with names of perpetrators, locations of where the offences were committed and nature of judgements amongst others.”

    The DG added that in this modern age of technology, using Mobile applications, online reporting mechanisms, and virtual support networks could empower survivors to seek help and access resources discreetly and the intersection of technology and activism allows the center to break the silence surrounding these atrocities and create a supportive environment for survivors.

  • ‘We’re fostering community of empowered women, girls in tech space’

    ‘We’re fostering community of empowered women, girls in tech space’

    Ms. Kelechi Cynthia Udeh is the founder of TechFam, a technology-driven non-profit organisation focused on bridging the gender gap in the tech industry by empowering African women and girls with essential digital skills. She shares her entrepreneurial journey so far, especially her Femme Robotics Competitions, with VICTORIA AMADI.

    Her focus, dynamism and resilient mindset are her staying power in a largely male-dominated technology industry. Added to these attributes is her strong belief that continuous learning and diverse voices contribute to innovation. It is thus easy to see how the founder of TechFam, a technology-driven non-profit organisation focused on bridging the gender gap in the tech industry, Ms. Kelechi Cynthia Udeh, has managed to hold her own in the burgeoning tech world.

    Says the young and dashing tech Amazon, “It’s all about bringing varied perspectives to the table. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and recognising the value of a collaborative, inclusive environment empowered me to thrive and make meaningful contributions in the tech space.”

    Indeed, since November 2022 when Udeh threw her hat in the technology space, establishing TechFam, she has been making meaningful contributions in the tech industry by empowering women and young girls with essential digital skills. Her ultimate goal is to foster gender inclusivity; hence, the primary beneficiaries of her impactful projects across Africa are women and girls, particularly those in public schools and the less privileged.

    The aim, she said, is to encourage gender balance in the male-dominated tech industry. 

    Under Udeh’s charge, Femme Robotics competition, one of TechFam’s impactful projects, has been empowering young African women and girls in technology through technical skills and education. Young women and girls have also benefited from reusable sanitary pads, laptops, notepads, smartphones, school bags, water bottles, mathematics sets and certificates of participation in the programme – contributing to their education, empowerment, and exposure to technology in the process.

    Udeh, a seasoned communications specialist, earned a degree in Political Science, from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2017. She said studying at NOUN, a computer-based school, sparked off her interest in technology. Her subsequent membership at the American Center in 2017, also offered her a conducive environment for tech exploration.

    “I delved into various tech-related courses online, covering communications, web development, graphics design, video editing, and animation,” she told The Nation.

    Her journey into tech entrepreneurship was thus a blend of academic learning and real-world experiences.

    Read Also; FG restates commitment to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, unveils national strategy

    “My Political Science background equipped me with analytical thinking, while working as a communications specialist honed my strategic communication and leadership skills. Founding TechFam and leading projects on gender mainstreaming provided hands-on experience in tech advocacy. These diverse experiences collectively prepared me for my current career, offering a holistic skill set crucial in navigating the dynamic field of technology and social impact.”

    She, however, had her fair share of challenges, some of which included the initial uncertainties, particularly in handling intricate coding tasks, and hurdles in securing sponsorships for her Femme Robotics competitions.

    “Our major challenge has been securing sponsorship for TechFam’s Femme Robotics competitions and other projects,” she emphasized, adding that as a new organisation, building trust also posed hurdles.

    Explaining how she got round the challenges, she said: “We’ve focused on transparent communication, showcasing the tangible impact of our programs, and actively engaging with potential sponsors. Networking within the tech community, sharing success stories, and demonstrating our commitment to empowering girls in tech has been instrumental in overcoming these challenges and paving the way for sustained growth and impact.”

    Describing the global shift towards tech trend Udeh said: “It is exciting and necessary,” adding that technology has the power to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and address complex societal challenges.

    “This trend reflects recognition of the transformative potential of tech in shaping the future. It’s an encouraging sign that people are embracing the opportunities that technology provides, fostering a global landscape where digital skills are increasingly valued and integrated into diverse fields.”  

    She noted that the widespread embracing of technology in firms is driven by its ability to enhance efficiency, productivity, and innovation. “Technology streamlines processes, automates tasks, and provides data-driven insights, enabling businesses to stay competitive. The digital transformation also facilitates global connectivity, enabling collaboration and communication.

    “Moreover, the adaptability of technology to various industries allows firms to meet evolving customer’s expectations. Ultimately, the integration of technology is seen as essential for staying agile and relevant in an ever-evolving business landscape,”

    She, however, admitted that within the entrepreneurship space, women-owned businesses still face specific challenges, noting that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and politics requires multifaceted efforts. According to her, fostering an inclusive mindset through education and awareness can challenge gender stereotypes.

    “Providing mentorship and financial support specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs can address barriers to entry. In politics, implementing and enforcing policies that promote gender equality, such as quotas, can amplify women’s voices.

    “Encouraging a cultural shift towards recognising and valuing women’s contributions in both sectors is crucial for sustainable change. Collective action involving government, businesses, and society can pave the way for a more equitable future,” Udeh noted.

    On how she balances her heavy workload with the home front, she simply said: “Effective time management and prioritisation. I establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, utilising organisational tools to manage tasks efficiently. Also, delegating responsibilities where possible and fostering open communication with family members, is crucial.”

    Growing up in a small town in the Eastern part of Nigeria, she said, “I initially lacked exposure to technology. However, my university days, computer-based schooling, and joining the American Center in Lagos opened doors to developing my tech skills and ignited my commitment to empowering women in the tech space.”

    Evidently futuristic about her visions and dreams for her organisation, the tech amazon said she is open for more collaboration with government bodies, educational institutions, and tech stakeholders.

    In the next five years, she says: I envision TechFam expanding its reach and impact across various African regions. The organisation will likely deepen its collaborations with educational institutions, governments, and tech industry stakeholders.

    “This expansion may include the introduction of new programs, mentorship initiatives, and strategic partnerships, fostering a broader community of empowered African women and girls in technology.

  • CAF Awards: Oshoala, Nnadozie make Women’s Best  Player Top 10

    CAF Awards: Oshoala, Nnadozie make Women’s Best  Player Top 10

    • Abiodun, Ajakaya  in Young Player’s Top 5

    Five-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala and her  compatriot Chiamaka Nnadozie have made the final 10 shortlisted candidates  for this year’s African Women’s Player of the Year.

    The duo was  listed in a  release  yesterday by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    Also, Nnadozie who plies her trade with Paris FC of France , made the final five for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Nigeria’s duo of Deborah Abiodun and Esther Opeyemi Ajakaye have been listed for the Young Player of the Year award.

    For the Player of the Year, Oshoala and Nnadozie will compete for the gong alongside Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon), Anissa Lahmari (Morocco), Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco), Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco), Andile Dlamini (South Africa), Hilda Magaia (South Africa), Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa) and Barbara Banda (Zambia) after the nominees were prune by the continental ruling body.

    In other categories like Interclub Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year, the nominees have been pruned to five each.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: CAF releases women’s category shortlist

    Nnadozie who was outstanding at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup,  will battle Imane Abdelahad (Morocco), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco), Andile Dlamini (South Africa) and Kaylin Swart (South Africa) for Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

    In the young player of the year award, Abiodun and Ajakaye will battle Comfort Yeboah (Ghana), Nesryne El Chad (Morocco) and Thubelihle Shamase (South Africa)

    Nigeria  is  listed among the five teams in contention for the National  Women’s Team of the Year award with Morocco, Senegal, South Africa  and Zambia while Super Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum will slug it out with Mehdi El Qaichouri (Morocco), Reynald Pedros (Morocco), Desiree Ellis (South Africa) and Jerry Tshabalala (South Africa) for the Coach of the Year award.

    No Nigerian teams or players were listed for the Team and Inter Club of the Year awards.

    The winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel consisting of CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches and Captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

    The Awards Gala will take place on Monday, December 11, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.

  • CEWHIN tasks media on promoting women, girls’ wellbeing

    CEWHIN tasks media on promoting women, girls’ wellbeing

    The Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) , a non-governmental organization established to promote improved quality of life through empowerment strategies and programmes that enable individuals to actualize their rights, has urged media practitioners to give more attention to promoting women and girls’ wellbeing.

    The Director, Mrs Atinuke Odukoya made the call during a CSO -Media Roundtable organized by the organization to celebrate  its 20 years of working for the wellbeing of  women and girls.

    Going down memory lane, she said: “The organisation was founded by Adebanke Akinrimisi of blessed memory and  in 2003. I cannot but mention the hard work and commitment that Adebanke  put into the CEWHIN that we now see; sleepless nights, continuous engagement across states and a commitment that is unparalleled. Our operations have covered the Benue, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Kaduna, Kwara and Oyo states particularly and nationally in some instances. CEWHIN has three major programme areas: empowerment, health, and governance.”

    Speaking on the empowerment programme of the organization, Mrs Odukoya said: “We view empowerment as a process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. This understanding is considered integral to the achievement of the vision of CEWHIN. Our understanding of empowerment is that it is a process of change from an earlier state of disempowerment. It is a change in status from a level of lack of power to make a choice, to a level whereby choice does exist, and such a previously disempowered person/s acquires the ability to choose and also act on such a choice.

    Read Also: COVID-19 and violence

    In the area of health, she said: “Our definition of health is very broad. We view health as central to the enjoyment of all human rights, as such anything that will hinder women and girls’ ability to rise to their full potential will attract the centre’s attention under the health programme. CEWHIN’s health programme seeks to investigate and promote a better understanding of the underlining factors that hinder women and young girls from being in a state of complete wellbeing, including their inability to access appropriate health care services when they require same. It promotes a better understanding of the social-cultural issues that increase the vulnerability of women and young girls to various health challenges such as HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.”

    On CEHWIN’s role on governance, Mrs Odukoya said “We strongly believe that without a participatory approach to governance the much-desired social change cannot be realised. Governance can be effective and efficient when stakeholders are well informed of their rights, duties and responsibilities and also acquire the necessary skills to participate meaningfully in the processes of decision making. Governance is also better when those who lead know the issues and use such knowledge and current information in decision making. The governance programme of CEWHIN seeks to bring government and citizens together in specific sectors towards the realisation of good governance.”

    –

  • Women set to reintroduce gender five bills with 1m signatures

    Women set to reintroduce gender five bills with 1m signatures

    Women groups, led by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) is set to galvanize one million signatures around the country to reintroduce the five gender bills that was rejected by the 9th National Assembly.

    The groups made up of a cluster, supported by USAID and Palladium, consists of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), Womamifesto, National Coalition on Affirmative Action (NCAA), Gender and Constitution Reform Network (GCRN),SAGE and Gender Mobile has launched an advocacy Hashtag and Signature Campaign.

    Founder/Executive Director WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi said women cannot continue to live in a country where they are not recognised and do not know if they are citizens or not.

    She said this yesterday in Abuja at the official launch of the social media advocacy to push forward the hastages #affirmativeaction #reconsider5genderbills.

    Akiyode-Afolabi said, “We can’t continue to live in a country where we are not recognised, where we don’t even know whether we are citizens or not, where we don’t know if we have equal rights or not, we cannot continue to live that way because Nigeria belongs to all of us. The movement is growing, people are getting more informed, one of the things they told us the other time is that we did not tell people enough so we are out there now.

    “The campaign addresses key gender gaps in the 1999 Constitution. This is done to ensure adequate awareness of the deficiencies in the constitution and to draw the attention of lawmakers and public to the need to have a representative constitution.

    Read Also: Women march on Anambra against killings, corruption

    “Right now the deputy speaker of the House had been very proactive concerning the Bill and we halope ge would be able to convince his people on accenting to the five gender bills. So we are today launching the hastages #affirmativeaction #reconsider5genderbills and relaunch the signature campaign which we started at that time, we hope to raise one million signatures across the country in the coming weeks, insisting that the government should reintroduce the gender bills.”

    Chief of party Palladium and the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, Mrs Lydia Odeh said the initiative holds a great significance, leveraging social media for a cause on gender equality is both strategic and timely.

    She added, “We have been doing a social media action around this issue but we are formally kick starting it as we need to galvanize public support for the passage of what has come to be known as the five gender bills. Everyone around the gender bill led cluster lead by WARDC has been pushing for the issue and it is really about Advancing gender equality, thatbis basically what we are trying to do.

    “The initiative we are launching today holds a great significance, leveraging social media for a cause on gender equality is both strategic and timely. We want to acknowledge that we have the power to influence perceptions, shape narratives and mobilise a collective poise for change. The five gender bills are not just pieces of legislation but signify a commitment to dismantling barriers that has hindered women’s participation in various facets of life.”

  • My fictional heroines are inspiration to women

    My fictional heroines are inspiration to women

    For Janet Chineye Eze, writing is a dance with her inner self that connects her to her readers, particularly women. The author of two captivating books: Nnenna (a novel) and The Kayan of the Mata (short stories), is a woman of many parts passionate about women. In this interview, Ms Eze shares how her passion is fueling her life’s endeavors as a registered nurse, the owner of CJAY beauty cosmetics and the founder of ADOPT Initiative nonprofit. EVELYN OSAGIE writes

    Growing up, my parents’ upbringing had very strong impact on me. My siblings were equally as determined, full of zest for life as I am. These had lasting influences on my personality. It was not all rosy, we also had our struggles, but the good times far outweighed the struggles. In fact, my childhood has made me a family-oriented person.

    Being a woman

     To be a woman is being sure of whom you are, confident, assertive yet kind, having a strong sense of identity, while leaning into ones femininity, and building people around you also. Also being a woman is to biologically experience all the physiological, features that make up the anatomical construct of the woman, and biologically belong to the female gender category.

    Motivation behind my passion for women

    As a woman I advocate for women’s rights and I’m passionate about them pursuing their dreams, asserting their voices intelligently but with wisdom; and working in spaces they were unable to in the past. I am passionate about creating impact and empowering people, not just women, but most importantly adolescents, to achieve their utmost potentials in life. This passion is the motivation behind my going into nursing, cosmetics, and now, writing.

    Navigating the worlds of writing, nursing and beauty

    The three – beauty, nursing and writing are somewhat related in that they involve touching lives one way or the other. I am dedicated to promoting health and well-being through creative writing. My journey extends into a multitude of other realms, each driven by passion and purpose.

    My writing experience is a blessing. My joy as a writer lies not just in the final product but in the journey itself. As an author, I am not confined to one existence; I revel in the symphony of emotions I can evoke on my readers. It’s a profound connection – an invisible thread that links me to the hearts and minds of those who engage with my work. It’s a dance with my inner self, a melody sung by the depths of my soul.

    In addition to my literary pursuits, I’ve also embraced a role as a registered nurse. This profession allows me to offer support, empathy, and care to individuals in need.

    Furthermore, my love for beauty and cosmetics has led me to venture into the world of makeup. I’ve started my own makeup line, CJAY BEAUTY, where I create products that not only enhance beauty but also empower individuals to express themselves artistically and confidently.

    My thoughts on beauty

    Beauty is an inward feeling and confidence that grows from within and radiates on the skin. Igbo si na Ana esi n’ime malu mma puta ezi – an Igbo proverbs beauty first starts from the inside before it glows on the outside. This quote also applies to character, so there are different meanings to it. Hence, beauty to me is both character, personality, aura and then personal physiological charm. As one who is into the beauty/cosmetics world, beauty is not just a tool of empowerment for me or an opportunity to be a vendor of colourful items used to enhance beauty.

    I believe every woman, in fact, every human being is beautiful; and should pay more attention to ones looks. And beauty products can help to enhance and maintain ones good looks, especially in times of extreme weather conditions, hormonal imbalances during ageing, menopause, menstruation, emotional downtimes and middle age crisis. I believe women should look good and I’ve made it my business, hence, I chose beauty products marketing as another tool of empowerment. 

    Read Also: Stop bullying men who identify as gay – Uti Nwachukwu warns women

    Womaness in my books – Nnenna and The Kayan of the Mata

    The stories in books are profoundly relevant because they illuminate the intricacies of being a woman in a world filled with expectations and obstacles. My fictional heroines serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the strength and determination required to overcome adversity. Their stories provide a mirror through which readers can reflect on their own experiences, perhaps finding solace in the fact that they are not alone in their journey.

     In Nnenna I tell the poignant story of a young girl whose search for love leads her down a perilous path. This novel explores the depths of human emotions, the complexities of family relationships, and the trials that women often face in their pursuit of love and fulfilment, especially in marriage. Nnenna’s journey serves as a powerful allegory for the vulnerabilities many encounter in their lives.

    The Kayan of the Mata is a collection of short stories that takes a multi-faceted approach to shed light on various unspoken issues that they confront daily. These narratives tackle a spectrum of subjects, from societal expectations to domestic struggles and everything in between. They offer a raw and unfiltered perspective on the often challenging aspects of womanhood, resonating with the universal experiences of women from all walks of life.

    Ultimately, I aspire that my stories serve as a source of empowerment and enlightenment for women, fostering a sense of solidarity and encouraging them to be courageous and resilient.

    My fashion style

    I’m a casual person: I love comfort, anything free that allows me room for expression but also stands out. I love traditional attires in jumpsuits, free-flowing gowns and trousers. I am not a skirt person. I also love Afro themed outfit and hair. Call me ‘Team Natural’.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    I cannot do without my lip gloss and my lashes. Whatever the weather, my lip must pop and my eyes must glow.

    Next on my radar

    The future is ripe with potential, and I’m wholeheartedly embracing this journey of exploration and expansion. I currently have several exciting plans in motion in that regard. Beyond writing, nursing and cosmetics, I’m setting my sights on the culinary world and considering an investment in a food business. This exciting endeavour is a testament to my passion for creating delectable dishes that bring people together. I envision a future where I can share my love for food with a broader community and create memorable dining experiences. I am also excited about my Initiative, the ADOPT Initiative (Adolescent Development Outreach & Programmes for Transformation), a nonprofit which is an offshoot of my humanitarian endeavours. I have been actively involved in the humanitarian space for over seven years now and my interest is the development of adolescents, especially those who are in correctional centres and vulnerable communities. I look forward to a systematic approach to solving the issues of education, literacy and poverty.

  • Women enterprises get $2b funds to expand businesses

    Women enterprises get $2b funds to expand businesses

    Funds aggregated in region of about $2 billion may have come into the country from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), African Development Bank (AfDB) and others to empower women in Nigeria and other developing countries.

    OECD, an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives, has committed $51.6 billion of its bilateral aid to programmes that integrate gender equality as a significant policy objective in Nigeria and the rest of the developing countries.

    AfDB is also driving different projects to increase access to financing for Africa’s women-led small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Also, the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) and the Nigeria National Board for Impact Investment (NABII) have announced a $1 billion naira-denominated wholesale fund to support shared mission to advance women’s inclusion in the global economic and financial system.

    Chair, SME.NG and member of NABII, Thelma Olu-Solanke, in her presentation, at the inaugural Gender Impact Investment Summit in Lagos, titled, ‘Closing The Gender Financing Gap in Nigeria’ said the organisation is targeting next year to raise the first close of $100 million   part of the Wholesale Impact Investment Fund.

    According to her, the fund will serve sectors such as agribusiness, health, energy transition, creative industry and climate with gender as cross cutting consideration.

    A pan Nigerian fund with a focus on frontier markets and female owned businesses, she said   will be deployed through financial instruments such as equity, quasi- equity, debts, guarantees, technical assistance and grants. However, the financial instruments must comply with Islamic finance and shariah law. The fund is targeting investors with $10 to $20 million and institutional funds with $40 to N100 million. She indicated that the fund has secured 70 percent participation from the Federal government and 30 per cent private sector participation. Also, that the Federal Government is expected to redeem 50 per cent of the first close of $100 million during the first quarter of next year.

    Read Also: Group lifts women entrepreneurs with investment funding

    The Chairman, IIF, Engr Afolabi Oladele said women led companies in Nigeria raised $221 million between 2017 and 2022 in financing to grow their businesses. 97 percent of this, he indicated, were concentrated in Lagos and in the southern part of the country while 2.8 percent went to women running businesses in the North.

    He explained: “Investors appear to bet more commercially viable south of Africa’s largest economy, not the North, which is usually associated with low development indicators. The lack of substantial funding for formal and informal start-up ecosystems in the North has left many women there vulnerable to financial insecurity, even as more of them become entrepreneurs.”

    Referring to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and PWC Nigeria reports, the IIF Chairman indicated that with 23 million female entrepreneurs operating in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, they were a major driving force in the economic development in the country.

    Despite them accounting for 41 per cent ownership of MSMEs, he noted that a lot of women-owned businesses struggled to survive.

    He continued: “A Mckinsey Global Institute report indicated that $12 trillion could be added to the global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025 if the gender gap is narrowed and specifically for Nigeria. The narrowing of gender gap in Nigeria could increase the country’s GDP by as much as 16-19 per cent by 2025 or $90 billion by 2025.”

  • Group lifts women entrepreneurs with investment funding

    Group lifts women entrepreneurs with investment funding

    Women rights advocacy group, Stand Against Female Marginalisation and Abuse (SAFEMA), has concluded the second edition of its annual Miss Enterprise Africa (MEA) business pageant with winners securing millions in investment funding.

     The grand finale of the event  in Lagos saw winners from the top 15 out of over 1,000 contestants receiving up to N1million to boost their businesses, a sponsored international trip, consolation prizes and other funding opportunities.

     The initiative, designed to inspire smart and hardworking women and girls who are seeking legitimate means to success without compromising morals, featured culture-oriented females between 18 and 35 years who run start-ups or have scalable business ideas.

    Read Also: BUA donates N1bn entrepreneurship centre to Maiduguri University

     SAFEMA’s Convener Ola Ajibola said the initiative was designed “specifically for young female entrepreneurs that have business ideas, are business smart and culturally oriented and are beautiful.

     “We put them in a camp for between 10 and six days where they were trained on several business subjects, more like a mini masterclass where they learnt entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, CSR, business investment and financial management. It’s a comprehensive training for the young girls for the number of days they were in the camp. On the grand finale, they exhibited what they’ve learnt.

  • Why women, girls must report sexual exploration, abuse — First Lady

    Why women, girls must report sexual exploration, abuse — First Lady

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasiSed the need for women and girls to speak up when sexually exploited, abused or violated.

    According to a statement issued by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said speaking up will not only help them access help and heal, but give others the confidence to speak up.

    She was speaking at the special prayers organized by the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Fatima Madda Bio, in honour of survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse and violence.

    This was part of activities marking the United Nations Day of Prevention of, and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

    “Women, speak up because your voice can help others.

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    “When women stand together in freedom and speak their minds, they would remember that Fatima Madda Bio walked this path,” she said.

    Mrs Tinubu pointed out that the commemoration of the UN Day is not just a day of freedom for only Sierra Leone but Africa as a whole.

    She commended the First Lady of Sierra Leone for the commitment, dedication and hard work she put into seeing that the day is a reality.

    Earlier in her remarks, the host, Dr Fatima Madda Bio, pointed out that abusing women and girls is cowardly and should be eliminated using all possible legal and legislative means.

    “As First Lady, I do not work for politics, but humanity, to give our best and we want to be remembered as those who changed the narrative in Sierra Leone,” she said.

    The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Madda Bio assured that his country remains committed to eliminating all barriers being faced by girls and women so they can actualise their potential.

    There was a recitation by school girls to drive home the point that they will no longer be instruments of sexual exploitation, abuse or violence.

    Prayers were also offered for survivors.

    This is the second day of the visit by Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Sierra Leone, where she will join her Angolan counterpart and their host today to commemorate the first anniversary of the day.