UN Women hosts zonal coordination meeting in Kwara

Kwara state hosted the zonal coordination mechanism meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).

The event, organized by UN Women on Tuesday, brought together key officials from seven North Central states, including commissioners, permanent secretaries, and representatives from women’s groups and the private sector.

Speaking at the event, the Kwara state commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the North Central region.

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The commissioner, who commended the dedication of the participants to advancing the cause of gender inclusion, highlighted the importance of a structured coordination mechanism.

“We must jointly develop strategies that reflect the specific needs and aspirations of women and girls in the North Central region, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“It is crucial that we maximize this opportunity to assess where we are, what progress we have made, and the gaps we still need to bridge,” the Commissioner added.

Also, the Country Representative to UN Women Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in advancing GEWE across Nigeria.

She noted that the Quarterly Zonal Coordination Mechanism Meetings, launched in 2023, has played a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

These meetings have fostered stronger cooperation among states and stakeholders.

Reflecting on the success of last year’s initiatives, Ms. Eyong stated, “The interaction, as some of the commissioners mentioned, was indeed catalytic and empowering.

“It validated our belief in the importance of working together and shared accountability for GEWE.”

Ms. Eyong commended the host, Kwara State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Afolashade Opeyemi Oluwakemi, for her dedication in coordinating the meeting.

“The three-day event aims to review progress made in the North Central region on gender equality, share key achievements, and identify areas for further action.

Participants will also engage in capacity-building sessions on Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB), to enhance gender-sensitive policies and programs in their respective states.

UN Women pledged seed grants to strengthen zonal structures and support advocacy efforts in critical areas, including women’s political participation and governance.

“The meeting will culminate in an Open Day event where UN Women will outline its plans for Kwara State and the North Central zone, encouraging further collaboration for the benefit of women and girls.

The Zonal Coordination Meetings are seen as a key driver in creating sustainable policies and programs for gender equality across Nigeria.” she said

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE