Nigeria

UN Women, ASWHAN Form Alliance for Inclusive Agenda

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Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja

The UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, in collaboration with the Association of Women Living With HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), along with other marginalized groups, has forged a dynamic “Leaving No One Behind Alliance” to sustain the advocacy for an inclusive agenda that prioritizes the needs of those traditionally left behind.

UN Women will play a pivotal role as the primary strategic partner, building upon its steadfast support for various marginalized groups.

Speaking at the International Women’s Month Economic Empowerment Summit in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the UN Women Country Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, underscored the importance of collective action in realizing gender equality and uplifting marginalized groups.

Ms. Eyong,  emphasised the critical role of collaboration in achieving these goals and empowering communities that have long been marginalized.

She stated, “Inclusion is not just an act of policymaking but rather essential for the survival of the human race. We are working hard to make ‘Leaving No One Behind’ practical.  

“Investing in women, the right things and ways should be key. If we don’t invest in women, about 360 million women will go into extreme poverty. Women are in different categories with different needs, support, development and aspirations, therefore women’s needs should be met accordingly.

“We at  the UN, we take priority in a special principle of living no one behind, as long as you live one person behind development is not sustainable.”

Also speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the National Coordinator of ASWHAN, Mrs. Esther Hindi, said there was need for tailored policies and programs to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, particularly women living with HIV, women with disabilities, and elderly women.

Also Read: GBV:UN Women seeks collective efforts to end menace

“Women have been far left behind, our cultures are not favourable to women, policies arenot friendly to women. There is need for us to come and talk to the society, the community and with the people concerned to know what women are passing through.

“This summit is put together to ensure our voices are heard, for us to express our feelings as well as call on our leaders to come to our aid and do what is right concerning women.

“There is need for our leaders to implement policies that are friendly with women. Women deserve a good life, inclusivity should not only on paper but implemented and not on paper,” she said.

In a keynoted address, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development Dr. Otive Igbuzur, delivered an insightful exposition on the root causes of exclusion, particularly focusing on resource-poor and vulnerable groups.

Dr. Igbuzur highlighted the gaps in government policies, including social investment and welfare programs, and concluded by offering practical strategies and solutions to address these disparities, earning an explosive ovation from attendees.

The President of the Abuja Chambers of Commerce, in a gesture of solidarity, provided guidance on business and funding opportunities available to the marginalized groups, signaling a commitment to support their empowerment.

Other highlights at the event includes: interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants shared best practices, and forged alliances to advance the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the summit with the theme ‘Inclusive Economic Growth and Development; A Catalyst for Reducing Vulnerability and Poverty Among Marginalized Groups’ were urged urged to implement the strategies and recommendations outlined during the summit, ensuring tangible progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

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