By Rotimi Odofin
Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the UN Women North Central Coordinating Team, earlier today convened a significant one-day meeting focusing on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Lokoja.
In her welcome address, Honorable Commissioner Haija Fatima Momoh expressed gratitude to all participants for their presence despite their busy schedules. She highlighted that while progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, significant disparities remain. Nigeria currently ranks 122nd out of 144 countries on the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index, particularly struggling with educational attainment and political representation for women. Furthermore, Nigeria is noted to be among the top ten countries for gender discrimination according to the OECD’s Social Institutions and Gender Index.
The Commissioner Momoh pointed out a positive shift within Kogi State regarding women’s political representation following recent local government elections. She acknowledged UN Women’s role as a convener for development partners in establishing frameworks for gender equality in Nigeria.
She used the occasion to announced the launch of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Platform in Kogi State. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between various stakeholders to enact enabling laws and create an environment conducive for women to thrive.
The meeting as further reveals another renewed commitment from all participants to work collectively towards advancing gender equality initiatives across Kogi State.
The meeting is another landmark efforts of Kogi State Government in ensuring her commitment to gender equality.
Chaired by the Honorable Commissioner For Women affairs,Haija Fatima Momoh, and supported by notable dignitaries including Hajia Alami Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Musa Idris Esq., Director General of the Public Defenders and Citizens Rights Commission; among others.
