Muhammad Sabiu, Kaduna
A Non-governmental organization, HACEY with support from Access Corporation has called for improved strategies on women’s economic inclusion as a crucial driver in closing the inequality gap and empowering women and girls access to health and economic opportunities.
HACEY’s Executive Director, Rhoda Robinson made the remarks during an interactive panel session on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) and how to improve Women’s economic inclusion held in Kaduna at the weekend.
Speaking on the titled “Women’s economic inclusion – Strategies for global and local impact”, she called on the need to identify effective and innovative approaches as women’s economic empowerment requires interventions and initiatives at multiple levels, from global policies to local community-based programs.
She noted closing the inequality gap and empowering women and girls with access to health and economic opportunities can have a positive ripple effect on their families, communities, and entire countries.
Thus,she asserted that by prioritizing sustainable solutions and collaborative efforts, “we can work towards achieving gender equality and women’s economic inclusion.”
Also speaking, the Executive director of Stanforte Edge, Olusola Owonikoko while speaking on women’s financial and economic inclusion identified three factors that play key roles in any community or society.
The first factor , according to the expert deals with access to income because without access to income and financial assistance then it becomes difficult to understand how women interact with the financial system in society.
While the second factor , is the control and benefits, saying,”as it is not just enough to have access to income and assets but who has control?
“There are so many women in developing countries who may be able to earn income, who may have access to assets on a temporary basis but do not make decisions on how those incomes are spent or how those assets are managed at the end of the day they don’t have the decision-making power.
While the last factor, according to the expert,is the power to make decisions which is very important.
Also speaking, Bermuda Legal Practitioner, Reaia Ball said “It is important to have policies and laws in place to protect women’s rights, including their right to take maternity leave and access to economic resources.
” Gender-sensitive policies can help ensure women’s inclusion in the economy and promote their economic empowerment.
“It is encouraging to hear that the organization is meeting women where they are and helping them become entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship can provide women with an opportunity to generate income and become financially self-sufficient.
“It is important to support women in starting and growing businesses that can provide sustainable income streams. Creating multiple streams of income can also provide women with greater financial security and resilience,” he declared.
