Buhari re-affirms commitment to women empowerment

President Muhammadu Buhari had said he remained fully committed to seeing more Nigerian women in leadership positions, both at national and international institutions.

He also gave the assurance that women’s access to credit would be further eased, and more space would be created for them to participate in politics.

The president gave the assurance when he received National and International Working Groups of the Supporting Advancement of Gender Equity (SAGE) Initiative to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

He commended women for their invaluable contributions in sustaining the socio-economic fabric of the country, from the corridors of decision making to rural communities.

“This administration places a premium on promoting women’s inclusiveness in national development as we have demonstrated with those holding key portfolios in this administration. They include: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of State for Environment,” he said.

“I am very proud of the achievements of my former Minister for Environment and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Fatima Mohammed Kyari as the African Union Permanent Observer to the United Nations and the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

“We will continue to support them to succeed. And we shall continue to advocate for our women who qualify to lead international fora. I am most grateful for the role women have played and continue to play in our government.’’

“This administration has demonstrated this by engaging in intense diplomacy to support the aspirations of Nigerian women to provide leadership at the global stage. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant problems, including the spike in gender-based violence, this administration promptly responded by declaring zero tolerance to Gender-based Violence in the country.

“I have since directed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in collaboration with the Minister of Women Affairs to immediately inaugurate an Inter-Ministerial Gender Based Violence Management Committee to address all forms of violence against women and children in the country. This body is already in place and running.

According to the president, the twin evils of limited access to education and poverty, and gender-based violence remain a strong inhibitor to women’s participation in politics and governance.

“However, our resolve remains unshaken in tackling these issues. Despite the spike of incidents of abduction of school children and other security challenges, this government remains resolute in its pursuit of a just and credible society devoid of inequities and promotion of the rule of law.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, thanked the President for his support in ensuring that Nigerian women gain more recognition and positions within the country and across the globe.

She said women needed more, particularly in economic empowerment, quality education and legislation that would favour participation in politics.

Leave a Reply