By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Women Economic Development (NigWED) Project, in collaboration with the Belgian Embassy, has called for accelerated efforts to enhance financial and economic inclusion for women and girls, marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Speaking at an event held in Abuja, Dr Lugard Okonobo, Director-General of NigWED, underscored the urgent need for policies and programmes that empower women financially, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the She Decides movement, which advocates for women’s right to make choices about their future.
He stressed the importance of creating societies where women can speak out against harassment and discrimination without fear of repercussions.
At the event also, Ms Ruby Ross, Director of the Association of Diplomatic Women in Nigeria, highlighted the critical role of women in agriculture.
She noted that although women make up 70 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, they still face significant barriers, including financial exclusion, limited access to technology, and land ownership restrictions.
“The time for strategic partnerships and global market access for women in agriculture is now,” Ross stated, urging stakeholders to take concrete steps to bridge these gaps.
Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso, Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, represented by Mr Chuks Ngaha, praised women’s contributions in science, technology, engineering, and research.
He emphasised that investing in women’s innovation and skills, particularly in raw materials value addition and development, benefits society at large.
The event also celebrated women leaders who have advanced gender equality and women’s empowerment. Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Arani, Administrator of the Edo State Governor’s First Lady’s Office, was among those honoured for their dedication to women’s rights.
Ambassador Leenknegt received the He-She Diplomat award in recognition of his support for gender equality initiatives in Nigeria.
He pledged Belgium’s continued backing for Nigerian women, particularly in agriculture and cooperative financial inclusion, leveraging Belgium’s expertise as host of the International Cooperative Alliance Headquarters in Brussels.
On her part,Hon. Judith Ogbara, Chairperson of the G4EP Initiative under the Nigerian Presidency, represented by Ms Taibat Abdulrazak, reflected on the progress since the 1995 Beijing Declaration. She noted that despite advancements, many women and girls still face systemic barriers that hinder their potential.
“The G4EP Initiative is committed to bridging the intergenerational gap between women and girls, ensuring greater female participation in leadership, politics, and governance,” she said.
House of Representatives members Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, Chairman of the Nigeria-Belgium Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Hon. Makinde Abiola Peter, Chair of the Human Rights Committee, pledged legislative support to drive bills that promote women’s rights and development.
