The Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, on Thursday, stressed the critical role of women in building a sustainable future for Nigeria, saying Nigeria’s future is tied to women’s inclusion.

She urged leveraging leadership positions to empower grassroots movements and create equitable opportunities for all women.

Onyejeocha disclosed this in Abuja at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Award (VOW2024), stating that empowering women is essential for the nation’s progress.

The minister highlighted that Nigeria’s path to sustainability relies on prioritizing women’s needs, such as access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and leadership opportunities, especially in rural communities.

She said: “To achieve true inclusion, we must create pathways for all women to thrive, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status.

“History has shown that when women are given the opportunity to contribute, they lead with vision, compassion, and resilience. Whether as entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, or caregivers, Nigerian women are shaping their communities and driving development. Millions of women in rural areas remain excluded from these opportunities.”

The minister stressed the importance of fostering strategic partnerships across socio-economic divides to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Onyejeocha added, “To achieve true inclusion, there must be an intentional handshake between urban and rural women, between those in leadership and those at the grassroots, to create pathways for all women to thrive.

“As a daughter of Isuochi, a rural community in Abia State, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges that women in rural areas face.

“These women, who are the backbone of our agricultural sector, often lack access to the resources, education, and support they need to unlock their full potential. I have also seen the power of community, where women uplift each other through collaboration and shared wisdom.”

The minister highlighted initiatives like the Labour Employment Expansion Program (LEEP), a job-creating initiative, which she designed under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to provide jobs and training, especially for women in emerging sectors such as technology and the green economy.