Kwara Governor Launches Fresh Women Empowerment Policy

The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday launched the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy in Ilorin, Kwara State

He described the development as another initiative to create more opportunities for women in the state.
LEADERSHIP reports that the launch makes Kwara the first state in the North Central to domesticate the national policy.

The governor said domestication would further dismantle systemic barriers to women’s access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.

The Office of Kwara’s First Lady, Amb Olufolake AbdulRazaq, in partnership with the Ajike People’s Support Centre and Eden Venture Group, organised the programme.

Top government officials attended the event, including the Kwara First Lady and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Ibrahim, who was represented by Dr Jummai Idonije.

“I urge everyone to support this initiative by investing in women’s education, skills, and businesses, as we work together to build a Kwara where no woman is left behind, and every girl can aspire to greatness.

“By supporting women entrepreneurs through skills training and improved access to financial resources, we aim to close the gender earnings gap and unlock the economic potential of half of our population for Kwara’s growth,” the governor said.

“Kwara had earlier set a national benchmark in gender mainstreaming (Gender Composition Bill), which mandates at least 35% women in appointive positions, and a cabinet that once comprised over 56% women.

“Our administration has championed structural reforms, from the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC),” he added.

AbdulRazaq commended the Nigerian First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting gender inclusion and women’s empowerment and the Kwara First Lady for her contributions to women’s empowerment in the state.

Mrs AbdulRazaq, for her part, said Nigerian women, like in many parts of the world, face numerous barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and market opportunities.

“These barriers are gradually being broken through strategic investments and innovative initiatives like in Kwara, where the government has continued to create a fertile environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, workers, and leaders”, she added.

The First Lady lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, adding that her office is complementing the government in promoting women’s interests.

“The domestication of WEE policy in the state exemplifies our collective commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of women and girls with improved social and economic outcomes across the state and indeed Nigeria,” she said.