Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye says the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other organisations are needed for an inclusive and equitable society.
Kennedy-Ohanenye said this during a high-level multisectoral meeting on Women and Girls programming in Nigeria on Friday.
The event was organised in Abuja by the UNDP in partnership with the UNWomen, at the request of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Minister said that the meeting was an opportunity to collaborate, inspire, and drive positive change for women and the girl-child in Nigeria.
She said: “Together, I am confident that we can generate innovative solutions and chart a course towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
“I am particularly pleased that this meeting will provide a platform for direct engagement between stakeholders and the Ministry.
“Your insights, expertise, and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to develop strategies and initiatives that will drive meaningful change in the lives of women and girls across Nigeria.’’
Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the meeting represented a crucial juncture in the ongoing efforts to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls in the society.
She said: “Your presence underscores the collective commitment to addressing the challenges and barriers that hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Our meeting is not merely a gathering of minds; it is a testament to the Renewed Hope Initiative commitment to catalyse positive change in the lives of women and girls across our nation.
“This is an opportunity for an in-depth understanding of the ministry’s work-plan, and will also allow the ministry to learn about the work and initiatives of partners in the various thematic areas covered by the ministry’s mandate,” the Minister added
Gender and Human Rights Programme Lead, UNDP, Onyinye Ndubuisi talked on the need for the agency and the ministry to work collectively, seal partnerships and streamline projections towards a new beginning for women and girls.
Also, Dr Chukwuemeka Onyimadu, Lead Economic Empowerment, UN Women, expressed appreciation to the Minister and stakeholders for the meeting, citing needs for progressive advancement in gender issues.
Onyimadu said; “We will deepen this collaborative agenda by working with the ministry and other stakeholders to get things done.’’
The meeting brought together donors, development partners, civil society organisations, and knowledge-based stakeholders to discuss issues relevant to the ministry’s mandate.
NAN/ Mercy Chukwudiebere
