FG launches gender strategy to prioritise equity in mining and steel sectors
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the auspices of the Nigerian government, has implemented a gender strategy with the purpose of advancing equity and encouraging female involvement in the mining and steel sector. This initiative forms a crucial part of the government’s dedication to embracing diversity, empowering women, and ensuring the longevity of the mining industry.
During a significant event marking the launch of the Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, underscored the administration’s pledge to prioritize gender equality and female inclusion in the Nigerian mining industry’s roadmap for growth and development.
Dr. Alake stressed that promoting gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can stimulate innovation, enhance productivity, and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation. The minister urged stakeholders to integrate gender equality within their organizations and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector.
The government’s resolute commitment to diversity and the empowerment of women is exemplified by the implementation of its roadmap initiative, which aims to address biases and inequalities against women in the sector. In furtherance of this agenda, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development have engaged the services of a consultancy firm, N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, to develop the gender strategy.
The gender strategy is firmly rooted in principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment. It seeks to augment women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities. The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to achieving these objectives.
During the unveiling ceremony, the National President of Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), represented by the National Secretary, hailed the launch as a beacon of hope and a call to action for stakeholders to adopt transformative strategies and drive meaningful change within the mining industry.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, urged industry players to diligently implement the gender strategy to ensure an equitable and inclusive mining sector. Additionally, Project Coordinator MinDiver underscored the importance of conducting a gender study and developing a strategy to uplift the benefits of women in the sector.
The unveiling ceremony featured a presentation by the N & G Consulting Firm Ltd and goodwill messages from various organizations.
The introduction of the gender strategy in the mining and steel sectors underscores the government’s commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity. By prioritizing gender equality and female participation, the Nigerian government seeks to drive positive change within the mining industry, enriching leadership roles and embracing diversity. This initiative sets a positive precedent for the empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, contributing to the sustainable development of the nation.
