From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has unveiled the gender strategy for the Nigerian Mining and Steel sectors, as a pioneering initiative to foster diversity, empowering women and enhancing the overall sustainability of the mining sector.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake stated this,on Tuesday at the launch of the Women In Mining In Nigeria WIMIN strategy,
in Abuja.
Dr. Alake explained that President Bola Tinubu’s led administration prioritises gender equity and female participation in its ” Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry”.
”We believe that promoting gender equality is both a moral and strategic decision that will drive innovation, enhance productivity and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation. We encourage our stakeholders to also entrench gender equality in their organizations” he added.
“As we gather here, we recognize the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector role, thereby shaping our nation’s development, Their talents, expertise, and perspectives are also essential to the success and growth of the mining industry” the Minister noted.
Dr. Alake while assessing the biases and inequalities against women in the sector, posited that the present administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to foster diversity and empower women by implementing its roadmap initiative.
”As part of efforts of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development, to implement this roadmap initiative, the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy firm, N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, to develop the gender strategy” Dr. Alake stated .
“In line with the strategy objectives, which are firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment, in both Ministries, we are committed to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communties” he stressed.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe admonished industry players to remain steadfast in the resolve to implement the gender strategy effectively by ensuring a mining sector that is equitable and inclusive.
In her address at the unveiling ceremony, the National President, Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), Mrs Janet Adeyemi, represented by the National Secretary, Mrs Emily Ofodile, who stated that today’s launch serves as a beacon of hope for collective action and solidarity stressed that It is a platform to disseminate these transformative strategies, mobilize stakeholders, and ignite a movement towards meaningful change”.