Nigerian Govt Pledges Full Support for Workplace Gender Equality Policy
By Matthew Eloyi
The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to back initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace, reaffirming its commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments for all.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, made this promise during a high-level stakeholders’ advocacy meeting on the “Validated Nigeria Workplace Gender Policy” on Monday in Abuja.
The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Oxfam Nigeria.
Speaking through the Director of Gender Affairs, Mr. Adamu Web, Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted the significance of the policy in advancing gender equality in workplaces across the nation.
She described the policy as a milestone in the country’s journey toward gender inclusion and a safer work environment.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women, particularly in relation to this critical workplace policy,” Kennedy-Ohanenye stated.
She lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Oxfam, and other partners, emphasising that the policy will lead to workplaces free from harassment through the active involvement of key stakeholders.
Mrs. Olaolu Olaitan, Director of Inspectorate at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, explained that gender equality in the workplace unlocks the full potential of both men and women. “When we avoid gender discrimination in the workplace, we can increase productivity and alleviate conflicts,” Olaitan noted.
Helen Akinyemi, Programme Manager for Gender Justice at Oxfam Nigeria, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the successful approval and implementation of the policy. She urged ministries and development partners to continue their support toward achieving gender-neutral workplaces.
Meanwhile, the President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Festus Osifo, hailed the validated National Workplace Gender Policy as a critical step toward establishing safe and inclusive work environments.
“We pledge our support and solidarity in implementing this policy, ensuring that our workplaces become beacons of equality where every individual can thrive regardless of gender,” he declared.
The ultimate goal of the policy, according to the stakeholders, is to foster mutual respect, understanding, and empowerment in Nigeria’s workplaces, setting a standard for equality nationwide.