#Shecluded: As FG commits to gender inclusion in economic, financial spheres…

In a commitment to the long-standing call for gender equality and economic empowerment, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently delivered a remarkable statement underscoring the urgency of closing the existing gender gap; ENE OSHABA reports.

Bridging the gap 

Delivering a keynote address at the recently concluded Gender Inclusion Conference, Vice President Kashim Shettima said, “Gender inclusion is not an option, but a vital ingredient for Nigeria’s economic growth.” This declaration marked the launch of the #Shecluded initiative in Abuja, aimed at addressing systemic barriers preventing women from fully participating in the economy.

“We cannot build the Nigeria or Africa we envision without fully integrating women into our economic systems,” he stressed.

The conference, themed Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion, provided a platform for the unveiling of Project #SheIsIncluded. This initiative seeks to bridge gender gaps in finance and the broader economy, focusing on four key pillars: education and financial literacy, maternal healthcare, gender-sensitive policies and programs, and expanded economic opportunities for women.

The vice-president noted that “this commitment is not a mere rhetorical gesture, but a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s national development agenda.” He said “we are not just assuring the women of Nigeria of their place in our collective journey – we are creating pathways for them to lead the charge.”

The #Shecluded programme is an essential part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to ensuring gender equality is central to its economic and financial landscape. As the vice-president’s words suggested, the Nigerian government recognises that empowering women, particularly economically, can unlock vast untapped potential in the nation’s development agenda. This announcement strongly aligns with the administration’s commitment to diversifying the economy and ensuring prosperity for all citizens, regardless of gender.

Launched by the federal government, #Shecluded is a concerted effort to reduce gender disparity in Nigeria’s economic and financial sectors. The initiative aims to create an inclusive environment where women have equal opportunities to participate in the financial and economic systems. At the heart of this movement is the recognition that women are pivotal to the nation’s prosperity. However, historical, socio-cultural, and economic barriers have relegated them to the margins, hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.

In a recorded message, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, emphasised that gender equality and inclusion are not just aspirations but foundations for sustainable development, peace, and progress worldwide. She urged all to invest in women’s empowerment, noting that when women are empowered, communities prosper, economies grow, and societies advance.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim on gender inclusion

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the need for decisive action to empower women. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, she noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a globally recognised agenda for women’s rights, and the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which stresses women’s roles in peace and security. These milestones offer a unique opportunity to reflect on progress while addressing the ongoing challenges women face.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s speech was filled with compelling data that reflected the stark realities of gender disparities in Nigeria. Women represent more than half of Nigeria’s population but account for only 41% of the labor force. More troubling is the fact that only a small fraction of women have access to formal financial services. With less than 4% of women in elective political offices and 30% of adult women financially excluded, these figures highlight the deep-rooted barriers women face in securing economic stability.

She stressed that gender inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. She cited research that showed closing the gender gap in labor force participation could add over $9 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP. Despite this clear economic benefit, women are consistently excluded from major economic opportunities. This reality demands urgent, transformative action that goes beyond theoretical discussions and leads to practical, actionable solutions.

Strategic roadmap 

The Nigerian government’s strategic approach to empowering women was clearly articulated by the minister. A key part of this strategy is the goal of empowering 10 million women, contributing to Nigeria’s target of achieving a $1 trillion economy. This ambition is supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recognition of gender inclusion as a vital driver of national development.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is already implementing several frameworks designed to reduce economic barriers for women. These include policies such as the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. These policies are intended to create an enabling environment for women’s full participation in the economy.

The government has also made progress in expanding financial access for women. Sulaiman-Ibrahim shared that the Nigeria for Women Programme is already equipping over 4.5 million women with the necessary skills and financial resources to become self-reliant. Further plans include the training of 500, 000 women in Kano and the potential establishment of a dedicated women’s microfinance institution. Such initiatives are designed to ensure that women have the financial tools and support they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.

Legal protection, social support systems

As the government works to economically empower women, there is also a concurrent push to address the social challenges that might arise from increased financial independence. The minister emphasised that financial inclusion must go hand in hand with legal protections. These protections are essential to safeguard women from financial abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence, which could undermine their progress and empowerment.

The comprehensive approach involves not only access to finance but also legal, social, and policy support systems that protect women’s rights and well-being. The Ministry of Women Affairs is collaborating with various stakeholders to create a balanced ecosystem that promotes both financial independence and security for women.

Partnerships, stakeholder engagement

The success of initiatives like #Shecluded relies heavily on partnerships between the government, the private sector, civil society organisations, and international development partners. Sulaiman-Ibrahim acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders and emphasised the critical role they play in ensuring the effective implementation of gender-responsive policies.

Collaboration among these diverse actors is crucial to achieving the goal of women’s financial inclusion. The establishment of the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council on Women and Girls (HLAC) is one such collaborative effort. This Council, set to convene soon, will play a pivotal role in guiding the rapid implementation of the government’s Strategic Action Plan for gender inclusion. It will ensure that policies are not only formulated but also executed in a way that produces tangible results for Nigerian women and girls.

Future prospects 

Looking ahead, the future of gender inclusion in Nigeria appears more promising. The commitment of the administration to gender equality and financial inclusion remains unwavering. As the Minister noted, the time for incremental progress is over. The country must now take bold, decisive steps to break barriers and achieve lasting change.

With the #Shecluded initiative, Nigeria is poised to become a global leader in gender inclusion, setting an example for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The vice-president’s message and the minister’s speech reinforce the understanding that when women thrive, the entire nation benefits.

As Nigeria continues its journey toward achieving gender parity in economic and financial inclusion, it is clear that the country is on the cusp of a new era – one in which the full participation of women in the economy is no longer a distant dream but a reality that will propel the nation toward greater prosperity and progress.

In the words of the minister, “Gender equality and women’s financial inclusion is not an option – it is a major requirement for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.” With the launch of #Shecluded, the Nigerian government is taking decisive action toward achieving this goal, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the country’s quest for growth and development.

As the conference concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to breaking down the barriers that have long hindered women’s economic participation. The road ahead may be challenging, but with united efforts, Nigeria is on its way to realising a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.