FG’s Commitment to Gender Equality in Mining and Steel Industries
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a momentous stride towards promoting diversity and empowering women in the mining and steel sectors with the launch of a gender strategy. This pioneering initiative aims to prioritise gender equity and female participation, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of the mining industry.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, underscored the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality as a moral and strategic decision. He emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to the success and sustainability of the mining sector, acknowledging their talents, expertise, and perspectives as essential to its growth.
In alignment with this commitment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development have engaged a consultancy firm to develop the gender strategy. The strategy is firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment, with the aim of increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, urged industry players to effectively implement the gender strategy, ensuring an equitable and inclusive mining sector. She emphasized the importance of collective action and solidarity in bringing about meaningful change.
Representing the National President of Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), Mrs Janet Adeyemi, Mrs Emily Ofodile, expressed the significance of the strategy launch as a beacon of hope for mobilizing stakeholders and igniting a movement towards gender equality in the mining and steel industries.
The government’s initiative to prioritize equity and diversity in the mining and steel sectors is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable industry. By empowering women and promoting their participation, the government aims to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the nation.
The gender strategy for the Nigerian mining and steel sectors is a positive and progressive step towards fostering diversity and inclusivity. It not only recognizes the valuable contributions of women to the industry but also provides a framework for empowering them and increasing their participation in leadership roles. As the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality, it is essential for all stakeholders to align with these principles and ensure the effective implementation of the gender strategy. Together, we can work towards creating a mining industry that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
