Policy
Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, says it has commenced plans to domesticate the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, known as WEE Policy for the development of women across the state.
Mrs Bolaji Dada, the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), disclosed this on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting organised to herald the domestication of the policy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the domestication is in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs).
NAN also reports that the Federal Government launched the WEE policy in 2023 with the aim to streamline all gender policies to address disparities faced by women in accessing financial benefits and opportunities in various sectors.
The initiative also seeks to enhance gender equality, reduce poverty, and coordinate efforts among development partners to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria.
Dada, who described the domestication as timely, noted that women constituted disproportionately, the majority of Lagos population at 8.5 percent with poverty stage.
She said the state government, through WAPA, had made concerted progress in empowering women through diverse economic empowerment schemes.
“Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to engage in open and honest discussions, share best practices, and learn from each other.
” We recognise the importance of ensuring the women empowerment policy is not only implemented but also effectively localized to address the unique needs and challenges faced.
“Having pulled pivotal representatives from the public, private, and Civil Society Organisation, I’m filled with gratitude for the unflinching support received from every one of you thus far.
“I will like to specially thank Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment in empowering women and girls in tandem with the THEMES agenda of his administration, which has positioned the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.
Also, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, attributed the successes of Lagos to gender equality, which is well thought out to ensure women are part of decision making in the state.
Finnish expressed hopes that the deliberations of all stakeholders would prompt actions for the advancement of women socially, economically and in policy making.
Speaking also, Fabia Ogunmekan, the Lead Consultant of Lagos State WEE, said through key directions, the policy would centre on all existing women initiatives, with the aim of making more progress. (NAN)
KOA/BEKl/VIV
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Vivian Ihechu
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