Achieving an equitable society and inclusion will require a partnership between the Federal Government, United Nations Development Programme and other organisations, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye says.
She said this during a high-level multi-sectoral meeting on the women and girls programme held on Friday in Abuja.
The event was organised by the UNDP in partnership with the UNWomen, at the request of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
According to Kennedy-Ohanenye, the meeting was an opportunity to collaborate, inspire, and drive positive change for women and the girl-child in Nigeria.
“Together, I am confident that we can generate innovative solutions and chart a course towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
“I am particularly pleased that this meeting will provide a platform for direct engagement between stakeholders and the Ministry.
“Your insights, expertise, and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to develop strategies and initiatives that will drive meaningful change in the lives of women and girls across Nigeria,” she said.
The minister explained that the meeting represented a crucial juncture in the ongoing efforts to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls in society, adding, “Your presence underscores the collective commitment to addressing the challenges and barriers that hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Our meeting today is not merely a gathering of minds; it is a testament to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to catalyze positive change in the lives of women and girls across our nation.
“This is an opportunity for an in-depth understanding of the ministry’s work, and will also allow the ministry to learn about the work and initiatives of partners in the various thematic areas covered by the ministry’s mandate’’.
Gender and Human Rights Programme Lead, UNDP Onyinye Ndubuisi, stressed the need for the agency and the ministry to work together, seal partnerships and streamline projections towards a new beginning for women and girls.
Similarly, the Lead Economic Empowerment, UN Women, Dr Chukwuemeka Onyimadu, expressed appreciation to the minister and stakeholders for the meeting, citing the need for progressive advancement in gender issues.
“We will deepen this collaborative agenda by working with the ministry and other stakeholders to get things done,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting brought together donors, development partners, civil society organisations, and knowledge-based stakeholders to discuss issues relevant to the ministry’s mandate.
(NAN)
