Nigeria to Reform Gender Policies in Foreign Service

The federal government of Nigeria is set to reform gender policies within the foreign service to promote inclusivity and improve career progression for women. This initiative was announced by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb.

Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with the Women Ambassadors of Nigeria Network (WAN-NET) in Abuja. The minister pledged to establish a crèche for nursing mothers to create a family-friendly work environment.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by women in the diplomatic service and emphasized the government's commitment to gender-responsive reforms that enhance women's participation, welfare, and career advancement. Key issues identified include career progression, work-life balance, and policy constraints.

The minister also reiterated the commitment to align Nigeria's foreign policy with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic growth and national development. He called for strengthening institutional capacity within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and enhancing public diplomacy to raise awareness of foreign policy's role in national development.