Together with other Nigerian women delegates, I participated in a High-Level Strategic Joint Event on Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment (GEWE). This side event, held on March 12, 2025, during the ongoing 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69), brought together key Stakeholders to advance gender equality.
Speaking on the topic, "Accelerating the Goal of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria through Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration: Achievements, Challenges, Gaps, and the Way Forward," on behalf of the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors' Spouses' Forum, H.E. Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, I highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF). Organized by the UN, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other partners, the event emphasized collaborative strategies for empowering women.
The NGSF has made significant strides in addressing gender inequality, gender-based violence, and the economic challenges faced by women in Nigeria. Aligned with the Beijing+30 commitment, our efforts focus on key areas, including eliminating violence against women and girls, improving women’s health, increasing female representation in governance, and promoting economic empowerment.
Through collaborations with UN agencies such as UNICEF and UN Women, we have advocated for crucial policy reforms, strengthened healthcare systems, and worked to shift harmful social norms.
Despite our progress, challenges remain, including cultural resistance to gender-focused policies and inconsistent law enforcement. To address these barriers, we are deepening grassroots engagement and ensuring that advocacy translates into tangible outcomes for women and girls.
This event reinforced the power of strategic partnerships in advancing gender equality. Together, we continue striving for a future where every woman and girl can thrive.
#CSW69 #NigeriaAtCSW69 #BeijingPlus30 #GenderEquality #ActForEquality #ForAllWomenAndGirls
#chiomauzodimma
H.E. Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, FIMC, CMC First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Women's Initiative, and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.
