NigWED Project Partners Belgium Embassy Advocate for Accelerated Action for Women & Girls Financial & Economic Inclusion to commemorate 2025 International Women’s Day

The Director General, NigWED Project-Dr. Lugard Okonobo highlighted the need for accelerated actions for women and girls financial inclusion and economic empowerment on the sideline the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

The Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has emphasized the need for societies where women are not silenced or punished for speaking up against harassment and discrimination.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, organized by Belgium Embassy and the Nigerian Women Economic Development (NigWED) Project, the Ambassador reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to the ”She Decides movement,”, advocating for women’s right to choose their future.

The Director of the Association of Diplomatic Women in Nigeria, Ms. Ruby Ross, called for accelerated action to empower women in agriculture, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships and global market access. She highlighted the critical role women play in Nigeria’s labor force, making up 70% of the agricultural workforce while still facing challenges such as financial exclusion, limited access to technology, and land ownership.

The theme for Year 2025, “Accelerate Action”, speaks volumes about the role women play not only in advancing the global agenda for equality but also in driving positive change across every human’s sphere.

The Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Munonso represented by Mr. Chuks Ngaha-Director Corporate Communications emphasized the contributions women have made in the field of science, technology, engineering, and research, including Raw Materials Value Addition and Development, as the 2025 IWD serves as a reminder that when women thrive, societies prosper.

At the event, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Arani-Administrator, Edo State Governor’s First Lady’s Office was commended alongside other women who have distinguished themselves in advancing women’s right, empowerment and gender equality. The Ambassador of Belgium-His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt was awarded with the “He-She-Diplomat”, promising to support Nigerian women empowerment through Agriculture and Cooperative Financial Inclusion which Belgium has stronger comparative advantage in hosting the International Cooperative Alliance Headquarters in Brussels.

Hon. Judith Ogbara-Chairperson, G4EP Initiative of the Presidency (Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement) represented by Ms. Taibat Abdulrazak, reiterated G4EP’s effort in providing innovative strategies to drive Gender Education, Engagement, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Program. She stated that, It is 30years today since the Beijing Declaration, yet women and girls still face barriers that limit their potentials, as such G4EP Initiative seeks to serve as a bridge to close the Inter-generational gaps between women and girls to deepen the inclusion of female students in Leadership, Politics and Governance.

House of Representative Members, Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba-Chairman, Nigeria-Belgium Parliamentary Friendship supported by Hon. Makinde Abiola Peter, Chair on Human Rights promised to provide legislative support to drive bills that promote women’s rights and development in Nigeria.