- The UN Women agency noted that women secure only 10% of government contracts and urged for greater gender inclusion practices
- Kwara State, praised for gender equality, achieved a 50/50 cabinet ratio and increased female representation in the House of Assembly
The United Nations Women agency has expressed concern that women execute only 10% of government contracts. Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, revealed this during a visit to Ilorin, Kwara State, where she honored Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a global “HeforShe Champion” for his supportive policies on women.
The UN Women’s team visited Kwara to discuss their advocacy for gender issues and to announce the launch of a biogas program in the state next month. Mrs. Eyong urged Governor AbdulRazaq, in his role as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), to encourage his fellow governors to adopt gender inclusion practices.
She also requested the governor to consider legislation that would grant women greater access to public sector contracts, enhancing their economic empowerment. “We urge you to advocate for the 35% Affirmative Action on gender inclusion within the NGF to motivate the federal government to adopt the policy,” Eyong said.
She praised Kwara State for its significant strides in gender equality, noting that during Governor AbdulRazaq’s first term, the state had a female-majority cabinet, which now stands at a balanced 50/50 gender ratio. “Your efforts in creating a favorable environment for gender equality and women empowerment, including passing affirmative action into law, are commendable,” she added.
Governor AbdulRazaq thanked the UN Women for the recognition, stating that it would inspire further efforts. He expressed pride in appointing women to key positions, highlighting their outstanding performance. “In 2019, there were no elected female officials in Kwara State. By 2023, we had five female members in the House of Assembly. This was a deliberate advocacy, and we aim for more progress in the next elections,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the stereotype that women are less capable is being dismantled, asserting, “We are moving towards a stage where performance and contributions to society are what truly matter, not gender.”