NIPSS, stakeholders push for grassroots gender inclusion

 

….as NEWOMCII launch initiative for women development

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has emphasised the intrinsic link between national security, economic prosperity, and the empowerment of women at the grassroots level, calling for a radical shift toward localised, high-impact gender strategies.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘New Dawn for Women and Community Intervention Initiative (NEWOMCII) in Abuja on Tuesday, Ayo Omotayo, Director General, NIPSS, said that although Nigeria has been a dedicated signatory to numerous international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Optional Protocol, the nation always fall short in implementation

Citing Article 14 of the Optional Protocol, Omotayo said that development actions must start from rural areas and local governments. “It mandates equal rights for women in health, in education, in credit, in land, and in political participation, as well as community activities. In the only single article that directifies gender equality in rural areas, that is the word that’s been used in the whole country.”

 

Also speaking at the event, Balaji Raji, founder NEWOMCII, said that across communities in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots, many women and young people possess immense potential, yet lack access to the tools, opportunities, and support systems needed to succeed.

 

 

He said that the initiative was established as a platform to drive practical empowerment and demand-driven capacity building, with focus on creating real opportunities through agribusiness, art and creative enterprise, skills development, and community interventions that directly improve livelihoods and make a lasting impact.

 

“A simple but powerful reality inspired the birth of NEWOMCII: across our communities, especially at the grassroots, many women and young people possess immense potential, yet lack access to the tools, opportunities, and support systems needed to succeed. We saw the gap, we saw the need and we made a decision to be part of the solution in complementing our government in its endeavours.

 

 

“Our focus is on creating real opportunities through agribusiness, art and creative enterprise, skills development, and community interventions that directly improve livelihoods and make a lasting impact. And this is what we have been doing in the past ten months, we kicked off operations.

 

 

“t the heart of our work is a belief I hold strongly: When women are empowered, families thrive, and communities progress.

This belief is not just a statement — it is a proven pathway to sustainable development. We are here today not only to introduce NEWOMCII but to invite like-minded individuals and organisations for collaborations, partnerships, and lasting impact.

 

 

“We recognise that meaningful impact cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires partnerships — with government, with the private sector, with development organisations, with individuals, and with the media, to amplify impact and create lasting change across the 36 states of the Federation and Abuja,” he said.

 

 

Delivering her keynote address, Tupee Taylor, former first lady of Liberia said that despite being drivers of transformation, many women, especially at the grassroots, are continually faced with barriers such as limited access to finance, lack of opportunities and infrastructure, restricted opportunities for growth, lack of required supports, and cultural norms.

 

 

 

 

These she said, are not just challenges, but missed opportunities for all nations. She decried that many women lack access, adding that while women are working, creating, and building, without the right support system, these efforts cannot reach their full potential.

 

 

She emphasized the need for governments to create policies that support women and communities. While also calling on the private sector to invest in women-led initiatives and sustainable enterprises across the World.

 

 

“I commend the managers and drivers of the initiative, which has carried out impactful intervention in the short period of existence. I celebrate all beneficiaries of this initiative across the community, and I encourage all stakeholders to support this important task. Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive, and more diverse communities.

 

 

“Governments, government organizations, private sector, and community leaders must work together. Partnership is not optional. It is critical.

 

 

“We must invest in women, support youth, support grassroots initiatives, any significant requirements for multi-inclusive development. And importantly, we must be intentional and assure that no one is left behind. No child, no young person, no woman, no man should be left behind.

 

 

“Women with disabilities, marginalized groups, and vulnerable populations must feel a part of this movement. Empowerment that excludes is not empowerment. Inclusion strengthens communities and ensures lasting change,” she said.