Increase economic empowerment opportunities for women, NGO tells govt

The Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs) in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day has called for support at all levels of government in tackling societal challenges faced by women.

It also advocated accelerated action towards creating a society where every woman can thrive through increased economic empowerment opportunities, stronger legal protections and enforcement mechanisms, providing psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence while enforcing stricter penalties against perpetrators as well as greater representation.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Publicity, Ibrahim Momoh CONGOs, in Benin City, Edo State. Momoh said CONGOs join the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme, ‘For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’.

He said the IWD provides an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in Edo state and beyond, while also reflecting on the challenges they continue to face.

The statement read: “The Conference commends the women of Edo State in particular and across Nigeria for their resilience in the face of daunting challenges like widespread poverty, harassment, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality among others.

“The Conference notes that despite these hurdles, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate resilience and determination in building and leading MSMEs, the informal economy, the home front, public service and politics.”

It also applauded the Edo State Government for the approval of a N1 billion soft loan for market women in the state, which signposts the critical role women play as key drivers of the local economy. Momoh said the NGO also acknowledged that while progress has been made, significant barriers remain.

According to him, gender-based violence continues to affect many women as showed by the recent data which noted that at least one in four girls experience some form of abuse before they turn 18.

“Furthermore, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions at both state and national levels, as well as the lack of full implementation of gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Child Rights Act further hampering progress towards a more inclusive society.

“CONGOs, therefore, calls on all stakeholders – government, civil society, organised private sector and individuals in positions to make a difference, to accelerate action toward creating a society where every woman can thrive through increased economic empowerment opportunities,” he said.