Enugu State has taken a step towards promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment with the successful validation of its Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.
The policy, developed by the South Saharan Social Development Organisation with support from the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, is designed to break down barriers that hinder women’s access to economic opportunities, promoting their empowerment in critical areas like employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
It also seeks to boost women’s economic participation by improving their access to education, healthcare, and addressing the legal and cultural obstacles that limit their economic empowerment.
A key aspect of the policy’s development was the validation process, which brought together stakeholders from government ministries, civil society organisations, and the private sector to provide feedback and ensure broad-based support.
This collaborative approach enabled stakeholders to share their expertise and insights, ensuring that the policy remains practical and actionable. The policy’s objectives are equally well-aligned with the state’s economic and social priorities, ensuring that women’s empowerment is integrated into the state’s overall development strategy.
The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, who delivered an inspiring speech at the validation workshop, highlighted the vital role women’s economic empowerment plays in achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty.
She emphasised that empowering women economically is crucial for the state’s growth, as it enables them to contribute fully to the economy and improve their livelihood.
Executive Director of the South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), Dr Stanley Illechukwu, noted that the WEE Policy is aligned with the core objectives of SSDO of making development happen for women.
He reiterated that the Policy seeks to address the unique challenges faced by women in Enugu State and that it will focus on promoting women’s economic participation by improving their access to education, healthcare, and financial resources.
