Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurates a consultative Committee for domestication of the women economic empowerment Policy in the State.
Governor Mutfwang Represented by the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Hon. Mrs Caroline Panglang Dafur said the committee tasks is to ensure a successful implementation of the Policy in the State.
He noted that the consultative Committee has the responsibility of providing opportunities for women to access education, various training in modern agriculture, entrepreneurship, credit facilities and markets.
Mutfwang added that the Committee is to again engage stakeholders and conduct needs assessment, developed a comprehensive implementation plan, establish partnerships with relevant organisations and monitor progress and evaluate impact.
Women’s economic empowerment is essential to achieving women’s rights ‘ and gender equality.
“Women’s economic empowerment means ensuring women can equally participate in and benefit from decent work and social protection; access markets and have control over resources, their own time, lives, and bodies; and increased voice, agency, and meaningful participation in economic decision-making at all levels from the household to international institutions”.
He challenge the committee approach their assignment with dedication, inclusivity and transparency, saying their work should have direct impact on the lives of women and girls in the state.
Also Speaking on behalf of the technical partners Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences University of Jos and the Representative from Development Research and Project Centre Dr. Plangsat Dayil said policy document calls for the democratization of access to agricultural productive resources, programs, and assets; and encourages several genders-based reforms that would increase productivity for women smallholder farmers.
According to her the policy is aimed at economically empowering women, a demographic that makes up 49.7% of the country’s 211 million population.
He disclosed that the policy, built on five pillars – agriculture, entrepreneurship, emerging industries, education, and financial inclusion – seeks to address the significant gender gaps in various sectors.
Chief operating officer Gender and Public Policy Centre of National Institute and Policy and strategic Studies NIPSS Kuru Professor Linda Kwon-Ndung on her part said Women make up of half of Nigerian population and should be empower to contribute to the development of Nigeria
“Women constitute 70% of the multidimensionally poor population in Nigeria, with limited access to land ownership, capital, and economic opportunities.
“This policy shift prioritizes women’s contributions to national development, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth.
Prof. Ndung tasked committee implementing the policy in the State to contextualize it according to local realities, addressing gaps in agriculture, mining, and other sectors.
Member of the Committee and Barr. Olivia Dazym pledged work for the domestication of the policy in the state, marking a crucial step towards gender equality and economic empowerment for women.
CAPITAL POST reports that committee Members cut across WOWICAN, FOMWAN, WRAPA, NAWOJ, Traditional Council amongst others.
