The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently announced its commitment to advancing gender parity and supporting the empowerment of women by ensuring their full participation and representation in decision-making positions within the mining and steel industries. This move is a crucial step towards promoting equality, diversity, and empowerment for women in these sectors.
At the launch of the gender strategy for the mining and steel development sector and the Women in Mining in Nigeria, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting women’s economic empowerment and rights. The strategy aims to foster gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Nigerian mining and steel sectors, focusing on creating better opportunities for women to benefit from these industries sustainably.
Dr. Alake emphasized that the government is resolute in supporting women’s representation in decision-making spaces within the mining and steel sectors and is committed to removing obstacles that hinder women’s participation and access to mining resources and benefits. The gender strategy serves as a blueprint to guide the ministries and stakeholders in integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment priorities into their policies and initiatives.
In her address, the National President of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN), Mrs. Janet Adeyemi, expressed the association’s enthusiasm for the unveiling of the gender strategy, highlighting the pivotal role of Women in Mining as an advocate for women’s development. She called for collective action and solidarity to achieve meaningful change and foster a culture of equality and shared success within the mining sector.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, emphasized the importance of implementing the gender strategy effectively to ensure an equitable and inclusive mining sector. The strategy was also lauded by Project Coordinator MinDiver, Engineer Sellim Salam, who highlighted the significance of engaging a consultancy firm to conduct a gender study and map out a strategy for uplifting the benefits and mainstreaming of women in the sector.
This commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the mining and steel sectors is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and balanced industry in Nigeria. By supporting the full participation of women in decision-making roles and eliminating barriers to their meaningful involvement, the government is demonstrating its dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable environment within these vital sectors. Through collaborative efforts and the implementation of the gender strategy, Nigeria’s mining and steel industries can pave the way for a future where women play pivotal roles in shaping the industry and contributing to its growth.