Women contribute 60% to Nigeria’s entire economy – NILDS

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has stated that women play a central role in the economy and community management as they form the bulk of the informal sector, which contributes to 60% of Nigeria’s entire economy.

Abubakar Sulaiman, NILDS Director General who made this assertion in Abuja at a training workshop for female legislators in Nigeria organized by the Institute said the participation of women in the labour force extends to agriculture, which is the mainstay of Nigeria.

Sulaiman however, stated that the exclusion of women in politics has been identified in recent times as one of the major setbacks for economic development.

He said in spite of being a strong pillar for grassroots politics, the participation of women in politics still faces many challenges, making it difficult for women to harness available opportunities for national development.

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“While several efforts have been made to address the low participation and representation of women in elective and appointive positions in Nigeria, these interventions have been hampered by patriarchal practice, stigmatization as well as religious and cultural factors. As it stands today, women constitute only about 11.6% of the National Assembly in a country where they make up about 60% of the population.

“In addition, despite this central role played by women, they are also the most vulnerable and worst affected by violent conflict. The dimensions of violence against women and girls during conflict are reflected in their increased vulnerability to loss, violence and harm.

“This workshop therefore centers on gender-responsive legislation as a means to addressing some of the myriad challenges that women and girls face in Nigeria. Gender responsive law making requires that legislators understand the impact of proposed laws and how they might be better designed to achieve outcomes which meet the needs of women”, the Director General said.