Nigeria to host Landmark Gender Inclusion Conference at Presidential Villa

By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria is set to host a historic Conference on Gender Inclusion from January 30 to 31, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” is organized by the Office of the Vice President to tackle challenges hindering women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
Announcing the event during a press briefing on Tuesday, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), highlighted its importance in promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

“This conference is not just a gathering; it is a call to action. We must break down barriers that hinder women’s economic participation. Our commitment to gender equality is unwavering, and this initiative is a testament to that,” Hadeija stated.
The two-day conference will feature executive sessions, technical discussions, a gender masterclass, and a town hall meeting.
Attendees will include state governors, Federal Executive Council members, parliamentarians, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammed, diplomats, industry leaders, and development partners.
The Vice President will officially open the event, inaugurate a gender advisory group, and launch the #ShesIncluded initiative, an effort rooted in the Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion signed on April 25, 2024.
Hadeija explained that the #ShesIncluded initiative aims to address economic disparities and elevate women’s roles in the national economy.
He noted the significant gap in financial inclusion, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where exclusion rates are as high as 38% in the North-East and 47% in the North-West, compared to 5% in the South-West and 10% in the South-South.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, we understand that our nation cannot achieve its full potential without harnessing the talents of our women and girls.

“Their empowerment is crucial for sustainable development and aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5),” Hadeija added.
He urged media organizations to amplify the conference’s message, emphasizing its transformative potential.
“Together, we can highlight the importance of inclusion and create opportunities for women,” he said.