Okotete, Minister Push For Gender Inclusivity

The executive director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, has called for accelerated action toward gender inclusivity, emphasising that empowering women is key to economic transformation and societal progress.

She made the call at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) ASO Monthly Business Meeting in Abuja, which commemorated International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the event themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerate Action Towards Gender Inclusivity,” Okotete underscored the crucial role women play in fostering peace, economic growth, and leadership.

“The truth is simple—when we empower women, we transform societies, unlock economic potential, and create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive,” she stated.

Recalling her personal journey, Okotete shared her experience as an elected councillor 18 years ago when she had to defend her mandate at the appeal court.

She highlighted the challenges women face in leadership but stressed that they are not competitors to men but rather partners in progress.

“We need the support of both women and men. Supporting women today will bring economic transformation and lasting peace,” she said, citing research that links women’s leadership to improved negotiation and conflict resolution.

Okotete also called for policy reforms in finance and leadership to expand opportunities for young people.

She cited the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), which requires 18 years of banking experience for executive positions, as a barrier to youth inclusion.

“If we could pass the Not Too Young to Run bill, we can also advocate for policies that enable young, innovative Nigerians to lead,” she asserted.

Also, the minister of art, culture, tourism, and creative economy, Hon. Hanatu Musawa, described gender inclusivity as a societal and economic imperative.

Represented by Hadija Umar, the president’s special adviser on industry, the minister noted that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.

“Africa is a continent of resilience, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress. However, structural barriers continue to hinder their full participation,” she said, referencing Nigeria’s ranking of 124th out of 146 countries in gender equality, according to the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report.

She called for gender-intentional policies to dismantle cultural and economic barriers while urging businesses, governments, and civil society to commit to inclusive leadership and financial empowerment for women.

JCI ASO president, Amb. Felix Akinyemi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to gender inclusivity, stating, “At JCI ASO, we believe empowering women is essential to empowering our community.”

The event featured a panel session and special recognition awards for outstanding women in leadership.