UN Women has called for greater collaboration between civil society organizations or partners in order to foster inclusion for marginalized groups in Nigeria.
UN Women Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, who gave the charge at the meeting to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, added that only a concerted effort on the part of every one would engender growth for marginalized communities.
She stressed that “Inclusion is not just an act of policymaking but rather essential for the survival of the human race. We are working hard to make ‘Leaving No One Behind’ practical.”
In his keynote address, Keynote speaker, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, noted that policy gaps by government officials continue to drive exclusion.
He therefore advocated for inclusiveness in government policies in order to address the disparities.
National Coordinator of Association of Women Living with HIV (ASWHAN), Mrs Ester Hindi, encouraged the need for tailored policies and programs to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly women living with HIV, women with disabilities, and elderly women.
The President of the Abuja Chambers of Commerce, in a gesture of solidarity, provided guidance on business and funding opportunities available to these marginalized groups, signaling a commitment to support their empowerment.
In a promising turn of events, government officials and stakeholders present pledged concrete commitments to support ASWHAN and other marginalized groups, including promises of grants and aid.
Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants exchanged knowledge, shared best practices, and forged alliances to advance the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
National Coordinator, UN Women, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, assured that at the end of the summit, sidelined women will become actively involved in social development.
The event culminated in a motion put forward by the National Coordinator of ASWHAN to establish a “Leaving No One Behind Alliance,” which was unanimously adopted by all participants.
This alliance aims to sustain the advocacy for an inclusive agenda that prioritizes the needs of those traditionally left behind; UN Women will serve as the strategic lead partner for this alliance in view of UN women’s ongoing support to the various marginalized groups.
Moving forward, stakeholders are poised to implement the strategies and recommendations outlined during the summit, ensuring tangible progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
The International Women’s Month Economic Empowerment Summit to mark the IWD 2024 Celebrations with emphasis on issues of exclusion faced by women living with HIV, disabilities, older women, and segments of impoverished youth, and actionable strategies to address these issues of economic exclusion and foster inclusive growth for marginalized groups in Nigeria.
The programme was organized by UN Women, in collaboration with UNAIDS, NACA, and other partners.
