Kwara Gov Launches Fresh Women Empowerment Policy

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

Governor AbdulRazaq 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 zone to domesticate the national policy.

The governor said the domestication will further dismantle systemic barriers that women face in access to public sector contracts and leadership roles.

“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.

He added that, “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.

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

Mrs AbdulRazaq, for her part, noted that 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.

She lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for standing as a national leader in gender equity and diversity through various initiatives in the state, adding that her office was complementing the government to promote the interest of female gender.

“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 economic outcomes across the state and indeed Nigeria,” she said.

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