The Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), in partnership with United Nation’s (UN) Women have said that the Affirmative Procurement Project in Lagos, aimed at promoting gender-responsive procurement practices and accelerating women’s full participation in economic and public life is a transformative initiative.

The Founder/Chairperson, WISCAR, Amina Oyagbola, in a statement, said the group was set to engage private sector organisations across Lagos to commit to the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and prioritise gender equality throughout their procurement and supply chain processes.

“The Affirmative Procurement Project comes at a time when global businesses increasingly recognise that pursuing gender equality is not only a moral obligation but a business imperative. Women-owned businesses, which comprise 40 per cent of small and medium enterprises worldwide, shockingly receive only one per cent of corporate procurement contracts.

“This disparity is a critical issue that the project seeks to address. With over 200 companies in Nigeria already signed up for the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), the Affirmative Procurement Project aims to rally even more businesses to join the movement.

The Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are seven guiding principles that provide businesses with a roadmap to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community.”

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, she said it would drive innovation and growth, attract and retain top talent, enhance brand reputation and contribute to sustainable development.

“The project emphasises the importance of gender-inclusive policies across the supply chain, empowering women-owned businesses and ensuring that gender considerations are embedded in all procurement decisions. By doing so, businesses can create a more inclusive and equitable society with far-reaching benefits for economic prosperity and sustainability.

“We invite all private sector organisations in Lagos to take a bold step in advancing gender equality by signing up for the WEPs. “This is not just a commitment – a pledge to join a growing community of businesses dedicated to driving transformative change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Businesses can sign up for the Women Empowerment Principles by visiting the UN Women website or contacting WISCAR at www.wiscar.ng or [email protected]. As signatories, companies will gain access to valuable resources, including tools, case studies, and networks, to help implement gender-responsive procurement strategies effectively,” Oyagbola said.