YWCA of Nigeria participated in the inaugural launch of G- WIN (growing girls and women in Nigeria) which was held at the State House Aso Rock, with the theme “Making the budget work for Girls and Women”. The event which took place a day after the International Women’s Day celebrations was declared open by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. In his remarks, he emphasized the need for the country to maximize the potential of women through the deliberate provision of opportunities that will promote women empowerment.

The programme was organized by the Federal Ministries of Finance, Women Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, Information & Communication Technology, and Water Resources; four out of which are headed by female Minsters. The event also provided a platform for the Ministries to share the work they do particularly around interventions that encourage meaningful involvement of women and girls in their focus areas of work.

The Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commenting on the event as part of the IWD celebration stated that “when women are empowered the cycle of poverty is broken and mortality rate reduces.” She explained that women empowerment should be experienced everyday rather than be an abstract concept that is removed from our everyday lives.

Nigeria currently ranks 23rd out of 188 countries in women empowerment and the G-WIN programme which is designed to expand opportunities for women and girls, is in a promotional collaboration with 8 African countries.

Information and Communication Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson revealed in her report that, one thousand girls have so far been empowered in the area of ICT using the SHE (Smart, Happy and Empowered) programme for girls. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to empower women and girls through their various training platforms.

Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, the Minister of Water Resources reporting on the effort of her Ministry in promoting G-WIN said water is important to life and development, and the Ministry is employing creative was to ensure that women become leaders in water management.

YWCA of Nigeria welcomes this initiative, and calls for partnership with civil society organisations focused on girls’ empowerment for coordinated interventions that will produce more effective results.