Nigeria has launched a #SheIsIncluded program to champion women’s role in economic transformation. The program was unveiled at the opening of the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shetimma in his opening address declared that women will be at the forefront of Africa’s projected $29 trillion economic transformation in alignment with the initiative’s goal to bridge gender gaps in finance and the broader economy. The conference, themed ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,’ builds upon the 2024 Aso Accord and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5: gender equality.
Project #SheIsIncluded: A Four-Pillar Approach
Shettima outlined Project #SheIsIncluded’s four key pillars: education and financial literacy; maternal healthcare; gender-sensitive policies and programs and expanded economic opportunities for women. The initiative will reach all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring comprehensive coverage. He emphasized that this commitment to gender inclusion is not merely symbolic but a fundamental element of Nigeria’s national development strategy, aiming to create pathways for women to lead the charge in economic growth. The project, spearheaded by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion and the Ministry of Women Affairs, aims to unlock the full potential of all Nigerians to achieve the administration’s broader economic goals.
Key Stakeholders Voice Support for Women’s Empowerment
Several key figures echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, underscoring the urgency and importance of empowering women. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted gender inclusion as crucial for sustainable development and poverty reduction. She assured the commitment of the judiciary to protecting women’s rights, especially regarding access to economic resources and property ownership.
Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo), along with Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, all expressed strong support for the initiative and highlighted their respective state’s commitment to women’s empowerment through various policies and programs They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to remove impediments to women’s full participation in the economy.
Call to Action and Future Outlook
The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to strategize on actionable steps toward achieving gender inclusion. Vice President Shettima expressed anticipation for the conference’s recommendations, recognizing their importance in shaping the future of gender inclusion in Nigeria. The event underscored a collective commitment to actively dismantling barriers and creating a more equitable and prosperous future for women, recognizing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic development.
Conclusion
The 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and the launch of Project #SheIsIncluded represent a significant step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in Nigeria. The widespread support from government officials, the judiciary, and other stakeholders demonstrates a collective recognition of the crucial role women play in national development and economic growth. The success of this initiative hinges on the effective implementation of its four pillars and the continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a truly inclusive economic ecosystem where all Nigerians can thrive.
