The Minister of budget and national planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has called for global investment in women empowerment in order to break the cycle of poverty and promote gender equality.
The Minister, in a statement signed by his media consultant, Chinem Pressley, stated this when United Nations Women Regional Director, West And Central Africa, Dr Maxine Houinato, paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja.
Bagudu said initiatives like “Nigeria for Women” and “Agile Adolescent Girls in Learning” are making a difference, adding that together, we can accelerate progress towards gender equality and ensure every woman has equal opportunities.
“We believe that every woman has the right to access the same opportunities as men, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have a voice in decision-making processes,” she said.
He said promoting gender equality and empowering women “is crucial to creating a more inclusive and just society.
“However, it is not a task that can be accomplished by one organisation or government alone.
“It requires a collective effort from governments, civil society, private sector, and individuals around the world. The world has the wealth and resources to ensure that every woman seeking an opportunity can have one.
“It is not only a matter of justice but also a matter of unlocking the immense potential that women hold.”
According to him, “When women are given equal opportunities, they become drivers of economic growth, agents of positive change, and leaders in their communities’’.
