Flags off women economic empowerment policy
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth, as he launched the state Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy roadmap.
Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the launch yesterday, said that the event was a pivotal step in changing that narrative. He added that the Lagos State WEE policy roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address these systemic challenges.
“This roadmap aligns not only with the state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“At the heart of this roadmap are five key pillars: agriculture, entrepreneurship, traditional labour market, emerging industries, education and skills acquisition
“Through these pillars, the policy seeks to bridge the existing gender gaps, strengthen financial inclusion, promote digital and technological equity, as well as advance women’s leadership in critical sectors. It also proposes innovative solutions that challenge socio-cultural barriers and implement gender-responsive governance based on data-driven strategies.
“The development of this roadmap was underpinned by a robust stakeholder engagement process. From government ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, to non-governmental organisations, private sector players, community leaders, and women’s groups across the state, including women with disabilities, we ensured that no voice was left unheard.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the participatory approach helped to shape a contextual and inclusive understanding of who a woman is in Lagos State: a woman is not only defined by her biology but also by her social, cultural, and economic realities.
“Her aspirations and challenges, from youth to old age, must be central to the policies we design.
“One major insight from our consultations is that, across sectors, from agriculture to STEM fields, women still face deeply entrenched barriers: limited access to land and credit in agriculture; legal and infrastructural challenges in the labour market; cultural norms that deprioritise girls’ education, and the under-representation of women in emerging industries.
“Yet, there are also immense opportunities that this roadmap seeks to harness. In agriculture, we aim to increase women’s access to digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and targeted financing to grow agribusinesses and connect them to broader markets.
The governor maintained the roadmap was not just a document, but also a strategic tool for unlocking the full potential of the women of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada, and her dedicated team, for their tireless efforts in making the vision a reality, as well as all stakeholders who contributed to the important initiative.
He, however, urged every stakeholder to come together with purpose and conviction, saying: “Through true collaboration, we will shape a Lagos State that stands as a beacon of inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment—a city where every woman is not only welcomed but actively empowered to realise her full potential and lead the way to lasting progress.”
