Belgium, NigWED Seek Accelerated Economic, Social Inclusion Of Women, Girls

Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has stressed the need to have societies where women are not silenced or punished for speaking against harassment and discrimination.

Speaking at an event to mark the International Women’s Day organised by the Belgian Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigerian Women Economic Development (NigWED) Project, the ambassador reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to the “She Decides Movement,” advocating for women’s right to choose their future.

The director general of NigWED Project, Dr. Lugard Okonobo, highlighted the need for accelerated actions for women and girls’ financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

Director of the Association of Diplomatic Women in Nigeria, Ms. Ruby Ross, called for accelerated action to empower women in agriculture, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships and global market access.

She highlighted the critical role women play in Nigeria’s labor force. She said women make up 70 percent of the agricultural workforce while still facing challenges such as financial exclusion, limited access to technology, and land ownership.

The theme for Year 2025, “Accelerate Action”, speaks volumes about the role women play not only in advancing the global agenda for equality but also in driving positive change across every human’s sphere.

The director general of Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso, represented by Mr. Chuks Ngaha, the director, corporate communications, underscored women’s contributions in science, technology, engineering, and research, including Raw Materials Value Addition and Development.

He said the 2025 IWD served as a reminder that when women thrive, societies prosper.