BudgIT, a civic tech organization, is calling on subnational governments to adopt and implement the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy and Action Plan.
This policy aims to boost economic progress for women in Nigeria by promoting gender-responsive budgeting, skills development, and financial inclusion.
Kaduna State has already commenced implementation, while 11 states are currently domesticating the policy.
These states include Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba.
Seven other states – Adamawa, Benue, Imo, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, and Zamfara – have signaled interest, while 17 states are yet to take action.
These states are Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, and Yobe.
BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, emphasized that domesticating the WEE Policy at the subnational level can address disparities in employment, education, and social norms.
“Subnational implementation of the WEE Policy is essential for closing gender gaps in employment, access to finance, and economic mobility,” Okeowo said.
“With gender-responsive budgeting, skills development programs, and financial inclusion measures, state governments can unlock the economic potential of millions of Nigerian women.”
BudgIT is urging the media, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens to advocate for the policy’s adoption at the state level.
By working together, Nigeria can improve gender equality, boost economic opportunities, and provide social support for women.
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