Activists Demand Gender Justice and Economic Independence

On Thursday, 5th October, stakeholders and activists convened in Abuja for a conference focused on gender justice and economic independence for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Organized by Christian Aid in collaboration with the Centre for Leadership and Strategic Development and other partners, the conference aimed to address the critical need for inclusive policies that guarantee justice for women.

Dr. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, the Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, highlighted the necessity of redesigning economic systems to empower women, who remain financially excluded from formal credit and asset ownership. Dr. Otiv Igbuzor, Executive Director of the Centre for Leadership and Strategic Development, noted that Nigeria lags in engaging women fully in political and economic spaces, with only 4.6% of parliamentary seats held by women.

Mr. Faith Nwadishi reiterated the importance of implementing national gender policies to address these issues effectively.