Philippines Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Gender Equality Laws

During a high-level dialogue in Abuja, Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, called on Nigeria to advance beyond mere policy declarations on gender equality. He emphasized the importance of strengthening laws, institutions, and accountability mechanisms to make women's inclusion an enforceable reality in governance.

Mellejor highlighted the Philippine model, which ties compliance with gender-responsive policies to government funding, stating that failure to implement gender mainstreaming affects budget allocations for agencies. He cited the Philippines’ Safe Spaces Act as an example of translating gender policies into enforceable protections.

The session, themed “Women at the Table: The Philippine Gender and Development (GAD) Framework for Inclusive Governance, Diplomacy, and Peace,” included officials from the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and legislative mentees. Mellejor acknowledged Nigeria's progress in gender inclusion while noting that the country's diversity could be a strength in achieving equality.

He also pointed out opportunities for economic transformation through Nigeria's youthful population and expanding digital sectors.