Nigeria’s bold moves to promote gender inclusion, will serve as panacea for breaking the barriers of poverty and economic stagnation in the country, if properly implemented.
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director GMD, of the United Bank for Africa UBA PLC, speaking at the 1st Gender Inclusion Conference: #ShesIncluded on January 30, 2025, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, said such bold initiatives has the potentials to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
He noted that through such “forward-thinking policies and strategic interventions, this administration is paving the way for a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
“This is not merely an event – it is a movement, a declaration, and a promise to the current generation and to those yet unborn”
Read also: Women will lead Africa’s $29trn economic ambition — Shettima
Nigerian women is said to account for 70 percent of the country’s extremely poor, even though they comprise only 49.3 percent of the general population
Despite the current federal government efforts, gender gap in economic participation and opportunity remains a significant concern, as women’s labour force participation rate stands at 56%, compared to 80% for men, highlighting a substantial disparity in workforce representation.
This is as gender wage gap remains a stark reality, with women earning 45% less than men in similar roles.
The entrepreneurship which is also often considered as key avenue for economic empowerment, also indicates that women face barriers, with Women-owned businesses in Nigeria accounting for 41% of enterprises, even as they tend to be smaller in scale and face challenges in accessing financing and market opportunities. This hampers their growth potential and limits their economic impact.
But Alawuba, while ruminating further on the theme of the Conference, “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion,” said it resonates deeply with the urgent realities that Nigeria face today.
Citing the examples at the United Bank for Africa Plc, he said” we know this truth firsthand. With nearly 50% of our Board Members being women, 40% of Senior Management roles held by women, and 59% of our Graduate Management Trainees being female, we have witnessed firsthand how inclusive leadership drives unprecedented growth and innovation across our 24-country footprint.
“ It challenges us to confront the systems and structures that have, for too long, held back half of our population. It calls us to rewrite the narrative, to ignite a transformation that empowers every woman to take her rightful place as a builder of homes, businesses, economies, and nations.
“Make no mistake: gender inclusion is not charity – it is smart economics. Studies from across the globe show that nations that embrace gender parity experience exponential growth in productivity, innovation, and sustainability”
He commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose office is driving the initiative, “for championing this noble initiative”
“This is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to fostering an inclusive and equitable society”
“Every barrier broken today is a multiplier for prosperity tomorrow.
“We have learnt that when women lead, everyone wins.
He described the gathering as a clarion call to leaders across every sphere to invest not only in policies but in people, adding that “It is a call to amplify the voices of women, shatter every glass ceiling, and dismantle every wall that stands in the way of progress.
“I urge us all to reflect on the powerful words of Malala Yousafzai (the Pakistani female education activist and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate), who reminds us that:
“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”
“As we move forward, I also extend my deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commitment to ensuring that initiatives like this lead to real and lasting benefits for women across the country.
He stated that empowering women is not just about equality, “it is about unlocking the full potential of our society and economy. When women succeed, families flourish, businesses thrive, and nations prosper.
“Let us dream boldly, act courageously, and collaborate relentlessly. Together, we can break barriers, build resilience, and create a Nigeria where no woman is left behind.
“The time is now. The responsibility is ours. Let us rise to the occasion and make history – not just for ourselves but for the millions of women whose destinies will be forever shaped by the choices we make today”.
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