By Abubakar Yunusa
UN Women and key Nigerian media executives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the persistent challenges hindering women’s representation in politics and economic empowerment across Nigeria.
The MoU, formalized during a media engagement in Abuja, underscores the media’s critical role in reshaping narratives and influencing public perception.
UN Women’s Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, stressed that without immediate action, millions of women and girls globally will remain trapped in extreme poverty by 2030.
She highlighted that systemic barriers, particularly in Nigeria, continue to hamper women’s progress, especially in political participation.
Eyong pointed to the stark statistics: women hold only 4% of parliamentary seats and just 17% of federal cabinet positions in Nigeria.
She called on the media to lead the charge in promoting women’s rights and breaking entrenched gender norms.
“Media is a tool that accelerates behavioral change, a crucial factor in advancing gender equality,” she said.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, during the flag-off of the exercise at OGADEP, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, said the initiative aimed to improve the livelihood of women farmers and enhance the well-being of the people.
