By Correspondent in Ilorin.
The UN Women Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, has called for enhanced efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment among stakeholders.
Speaking through her representative, Patience Ekeoba, at the Zonal Coordination Mechanism Meeting for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Ms. Eyong acknowledged the progress made in 2023 towards improved coordination and advocacy across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“The Quarterly Zonal Coordination Mechanism Meeting for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment was one of our most innovative initiatives launched in 2023, allowing us to gather firsthand information on the status of GEWE across the six geopolitical zones,” according to her.
Ms. Eyong stated this in her address to commissioners, permanent secretaries, and representatives of women’s groups from the North Central region.
She stressed the importance and impact of state-funded campaigns during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling it a pivotal moment for advancing women’s and girls’ rights.
Ms. Eyong promised that UN Women would provide seed grants to bolster advocacy efforts focused on women’s political participation, gender-related legislation, and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
Our correspondent reports that The three-day meeting, titled “Series 2.0,” aims to build on previous achievements, evaluate progress, and strengthen coordination structures. Participants will engage in capacity-building sessions on Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB).
The Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Afolashade Oluwakens Opeyemi, underscored the importance of collaboration in promoting gender equality in the North Central region. “Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to the advancement of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the overall well-being of our communities,” she said, emphasizing the need for harmonized efforts toward sustainable development.
The event will conclude with an Open Day, where UN Women and partners will showcase ongoing initiatives in Kwara State and explore further collaboration for the empowerment of women and girls in the region.
