From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government has decried the fact that women and girls still experience discrimination based on their sex and gender.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Monilola Udoh, noted this during her opening remarks at a Dissemination/Sensitization Workshop on the 2021-2026 Revised National Gender Policy Implementation.
The workshop took place at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, on Friday, July 21st, 2023, and focused specifically on the North-Central geo-political zone of the federation.
Udoh highlighted the significance of the revised National Gender Policy, which she said builds upon previous policies to address women’s rights issues from a gender perspective.
She emphasised that women’s rights include living free from violence and discrimination, access to education, property ownership, and the right to participate in political processes.
She, however, acknowledged that many women and girls still experience discrimination based on their sex and gender, noting that the realisation prompted the review and update of the 2006 National Gender Policy.
The overarching goal of the revised policy, Udoh said is to create a just society where women, girls, and other vulnerable groups have equal opportunities and rights in all areas of life without discrimination.
The strategic objectives she said include bridging gender gaps, protecting women’s human rights, promoting women’s economic empowerment, advancing women’s leadership participation, supporting education and health, integrating gender equity concerns into legislation and policies, and mainstreaming marginalized groups into government development projects.
Udoh highlighted key areas of focus within the revised policy, such as the protection of the girl-child, combating violence against women and girls, addressing conflict-related issues involving women and girls, promoting the rights of women with disabilities, and strengthening institutions and partnerships for gender mainstreaming.
She emphasised that these provisions align with the administration’s vision of achieving a gender-sensitive society and inclusive economic growth and development.
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted the international conventions, treaties, and protocols to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA), New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Udoh emphasised the need for member nations to implement mechanisms that eliminate gender discrimination and ensure equality and human dignity for all.
In closing, Udoh urged participants to take the training seriously and ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into projects and program implementations within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
She emphasised that effective implementation of the National Gender Policy is vital in addressing cultural biases and stereotypes that hinder women’s full participation in national development.
While declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, expressed her hope for a fruitful session and productive exchange of ideas.