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Friday, March 06, 2020 / 02:30 AM / Nifemi Taiyese for WebTV / Header
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Achieving Gender Parity in Nigeria will add N230bn annually to the
nation's revenue base.
The Founder of Sahel Consulting Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli disclosed this as the
keynote speaker at the 2020 International Women's Day commemoration by the NASD
Plc in collaboration with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
She decried the fact that with almost 60 years of independence, women in
Nigeria only own 10% of the land resources in the country.
Citing the McKenzie report, Mrs. Nwuneli noted that Nigeria still ranks
low in the global gender parity index, as it is currently ranked 128 out of 153 countries on the index.
In terms of financial Inclusion, she noted that men had more bank
accounts in the country than women, which is the result of low financial
literacy.
For women empowerment in Nigeria, she outlined the following areas they need to achieve growth and development;
According
to her, the United Nations identified violence against women as a crisis on the
continent. She warned that the violence rate is rising across Africa, and 11%
of women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
"Women
don't inherit land in some of our cultures, and even in Islam, there is
pressure for women to pass the land to their brothers," Nwuneli said.
She
added, "Faith-based organizations have a powerful role to play in ensuring
gender equity and combating financial abuse. Every woman needs to have a
Champion, Critic and a mentor/role model to achieve her full potential".
Speaking
further, the keynote speaker made a strong case for women to play critical
roles in the agricultural sector. She described the dairy value chain as
an example and a source of empowerment for women.
She charged women to take the following four actions as they mark their day;
The
MD/CEO of NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale, in his opening remarks, described the
theme of the event "Equal Access To Capital" as apt and captured the
essence of supporting women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
He
said from a recent survey conducted by NASD Plc, 0ver 57% of women
entrepreneurs face the most significant hurdle of sourcing finance for their
respective businesses.
Mr.
Ajomale pointed out that it was encouraging to hear that 90% of women were
running profitable businesses in Nigeria.
The
NASD CEO stressed the importance of mentorship and training for women to get
knowledge and encouragement for themselves and achieve success for their
business.
He
urged women to take advantage of digital platforms, which are now becoming
critical tools for finding solutions to businesses.
The
Vice President of the LCCI, Mrs. Mojisola Bakare, who represented the President
of the Chambers Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, appreciated the initiative of the NASD
Plc, which brought to the fore the critical issue of financial Inclusion, as
part of activities to commemorate the 2020 international women's day.
Mrs.
Bakare said, "Issues of gender gaps are very critical to the advancement
of the Nigerian economy, and bridging them is essential to engender women's
participation in socio-economic activities in the country.
She
emphasized the importance of financial Inclusion for women, especially those in
the informal sector of the economy.
The
Vice President of LCCI commended the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria
in the promotion of Financial Inclusion in the economy, mainly the focus and
attention given to addressing the gender gaps.
She
acknowledged that there had been specific commercial facilities and products
designed by banks exclusively for women.
"The
supply and demand side of the provision of financial services to excluded women
in our society needs resolution," She said.
Looking at the 2020 International Women's Day commemoration, she highlighted the following key issues;
The
event featured a panel session moderated by Abiola Adekoya MD RMB Nigeria
Stockbrokers Ltd. and panellists Mrs. Tomie Balogun Vestract Company, Mrs.
Mojisola Bakare General Manager Corporate Banking Sterling Bank, Mrs. Titi
Odunifa Founder Samkore Investments, Mrs. Jameelah Aiyedun MD/CEO Credit Bureau
Plc.
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