The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos focused on the importance of public-private collaboration in promoting gender equality. Minister Hannatu Musawa and other stakeholders advocated for increased support for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for capital access and collaborations to empower women in the economy. The event called for concerted actions to bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive environment.
During the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting gender equality. She noted that addressing the challenges faced by women and girls is essential for unlocking their potential. The event was themed “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”
Musawa referenced a report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which stated that women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economy. She highlighted that women often face difficulties in accessing capital for their enterprises, calling for collaborative efforts to build a gender-equal future. Musawa underscored the necessity for increased investment opportunities tailored for women entrepreneurs.
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, affirmed the need for decisive and courageous actions from all sectors to attain gender equality. He emphasized that working together ensures women can easily access capital, thus fostering an inclusive economy. The NGX is committed to enhancing female participation in the capital market via educational programs and data analysis to measure gender impact.
Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, commended women’s contributions within the organization and encouraged mutual support among women for greater achievements. Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission, called for men to respect and support women, acknowledging their resilience and industrious nature.
Further, several stakeholders, including Ms. Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, advocated for increased collaboration with the NGX to enhance investments for women. Franca Chukwugor, Executive Commissioner of the SEC, urged women to seek genuine financial knowledge. Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, called for partnerships that enable women’s access to capital, while Hilda Baci, CEO of Food by Hilda, encouraged continuous learning and support among women for an equitable society.
The 2025 International Women’s Day event highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equality in Nigeria. Stakeholders emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to empower women entrepreneurs, enhance their access to capital, and create supportive environments. The overarching consensus was that achieving gender equality requires decisive actions from all sectors of society, ensuring that women are provided with the necessary opportunities for growth and success.
Original Source: nannews.ng
