Ekiti Begins Five-Day Workshop to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment

The Ekiti State Government has begun a five-day workshop to develop and domesticate a Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy aimed at improving women’s access to economic opportunities across the state.

The workshop, which began on Monday, August 17, will run until August 21 at the Ministry of Women Affairs Multipurpose Hall, Secretariat Complex, Ado-Ekiti.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, seeks to develop policy indicators that reflect Ekiti’s economic realities and provide a clear framework for integrating women into wealth creation and productive activities.

The opening session brought together senior government officials, technocrats and development experts, signalling a broad government approach to addressing barriers affecting women’s participation in the state’s economy.

Ekiti Begins Five-Day Workshop to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment

Those present included the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae; and Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was represented by its Permanent Secretary, who attended on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr Babatope Ojo.

Technical guidance for the policy process is being provided by WEE Policy Consultant, Prof Olabisi Aina, and Dr (Mrs) Yemisi Afolabi.

The discussions also involved the Director-General and Special Adviser at the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Engr Moyo Ekundayo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr Sunday Omoya; and the Ekiti State Statistician-General, Mrs Dolapo Dasola-Ojo.

The proposed policy is built around four key areas: agriculture, labour, wealth creation and emerging industries. Under the framework, the Ministry of Women Affairs will coordinate data and information sharing among participating sectors.

Each participating ministry is also expected to nominate a four-member team, including a technical officer who will help translate the policy into practical programmes suited to the ministry’s operations.

Speaking on the objective of the workshop, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Pastor Olapeju Babafemi, said the policy would provide a stronger basis for expanding economic opportunities for women across Ekiti.

She said the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration was committed to moving beyond policy statements by creating opportunities capable of improving household incomes and supporting sustainable development in communities.

The workshop is expected to produce a state-specific framework that will guide government interventions and strengthen coordination among institutions working to improve women’s economic participation in Ekiti.