UN Women Nigeria Representative Calls for Enhanced Coordination on Gender Equality

The UN Women Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Speaking through her representative, Patience Ekeoba, at the Zonal Coordination Mechanism Meeting for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday, Ms. Eyong commended the progress made in 2023 towards better coordination and advocacy across the country’s geopolitical zones.

“The Quarterly Zonal Coordination Mechanism Meeting for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women was one of the most innovative initiatives we launched in 2023, enabling us to convene across the six geopolitical zones and gather firsthand information on the status of GEWE in Nigeria,” Ms. Eyong noted during her address to commissioners, permanent secretaries, and representatives of women’s groups from the North Central region.

She highlighted the success of state-funded campaigns during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling it a turning point in advancing the cause of women and girls.

Ms. Eyong further announced that UN Women will provide seed grants to support zonal advocacy efforts in women’s political participation, gender-related bills, and ending violence against women and girls.

The three-day meeting, tagged “Series 2.0,” aims to build on past successes, review achievements, and strengthen the coordination structure. Participants will also engage in capacity-building sessions on Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB).

In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Honourable Afolashade Oluwakens Opeyemi, stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing gender equality in the North Central region.

“Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to the advancement of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the overall well-being of our communities,” she said, emphasizing the need to harmonize efforts for sustainable development.

The event will conclude with an Open Day, where UN Women and partners will showcase ongoing efforts in Kwara State and explore further collaborations for the empowerment of women and girls in the region.

Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Honourable Afolashade Oluwakens Opeyemi

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