The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has called for greater investment in women, describing their empowerment as an economic strategy rather than charity.
Mahmoud made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Second National Gender Inclusion Conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
She said women play important roles in Nigeria’s development as entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, innovators, employers and community leaders.
However, she noted that many women still face barriers to finance, markets, land, technology, skills and decision-making.
The minister said women’s economic empowerment requires access to affordable finance, digital financial services, business support, insurance and markets.
She also called for stronger institutions, gender-responsive budgeting, reliable data and proper monitoring of programmes.
“Nothing about women should be designed without women,” she said.
Mahmoud said the FCT Administration was committed to inclusive development through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, social investment, community development and infrastructure.
She noted that roads, transportation, markets, water, healthcare, electricity and safe public spaces are important to improving women’s economic opportunities.
The minister urged the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, civil society groups and community leaders to work together to remove barriers to women’s participation in the economy.
She said stakeholders must move beyond making resolutions and focus on measurable results, including increased financing for women, better institutions and improved economic outcomes.
Mahmoud commended the Office of the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for bringing stakeholders together to develop practical solutions.
She expressed confidence that sustained investment in women would strengthen families, communities and the Nigerian economy.