EU engages commissioners on gender equality

The European Union (EU) and International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are working with commissioners for women and their permanent secretaries in the states to advance gender equality and women’s rights.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day conference in Abuja, EU’s Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender, Laolu Olawumi said the event was created to provide the participants with the needed support to tackle issues affecting women and children.

Olawumi said the conference aimed at achieving the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day which is to “drive inclusion.”

She said: “EU’s support includes ensuring that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive.

“This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development.”

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Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said President Bola Tinubu would unveil a five-year EU programme for Nigerian women this month.

The minister said stakeholders should work closely with the federal and state governments to achieve inclusiveness and justice for women in the country.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State, Ngozi Felix said the organisers are providing a platform to empower the vulnerable in the society.

“This gathering is a cornerstone for us to forge stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that impact women and children.

“It is a platform for learning and exchanging ideas to be transformed into strategies for gender equality and empowerment…”

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, said the necessity of a second RoLAC phase to sustain the momentum and continue EU’s efforts in supporting Nigerian governments objective of strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.