Women Leaders Call for Coordinated SDG Action in Lagos

The recent conference in Lagos, commemorating International Women's Day, brought together 200 women leaders and development actors to discuss the need for a coordinated approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa. Dr. Bekem Masad Olowola, Chief Executive of CSR Action Group, highlighted the persistent underestimation of women's roles in development, which hampers SDG progress.

He stressed the necessity of moving beyond isolated efforts to a systematic approach that amplifies women's contributions. Dr. Alex Akhigb, founder of ACI, noted that the absence of a sustainable collaborative framework limits the scalability of impactful initiatives.

Mr. Kaphayah Sarumi, Permanent Secretary at the Office of SDG Investment, identified financial exclusion as a critical barrier to women's economic empowerment. The event featured the documentary "Earth Women," showcasing the experiences of women in resource-rich communities, reinforcing calls for inclusive development narratives and partnerships.