Ministry of Women Affairs

2013
MINISTERIAL
PLATFORM:
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN’S
ADMINISTRATION
Hajiya Zainab Maina,MFR, FCIA
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS &
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Tuesday 25th June, 2013
1

Protocol
I am very delighted to welcome you all to the 2013 Ministerial Platform of
the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which is
part of the activities lined up to commemorate the Mid-Term Anniversary
of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration.
I thank the Almighty God for this great privilege to deliver this briefing on
the programmes and achievements of the present Administration since
assumption of office about two years ago. I thank you all for making time
to share our experiences, assured as we are that through you, the
generality of our people will get to know of the modest strides we have
made over the past two years in our bid to contribute to the advancement
of women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly as well as other
vulnerable groups whom we are privileged to serve. In particular, I wish
to thank my colleague in the Federal Ministry of Information, Mr. Labaran
Maku, under whose auspices this briefing is holding.
2

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social
Development has the unique responsibility of
addressing the issues and concerns of about 70 percent
of Nigeria’s population that occupy the low portion of
the economic ladder, which include Women, Children,
Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly and other
Vulnerable Nigerians.
For us to succeed in this most challenging national
assignment, we had to deploy unique and practical
strategies that would bring about accelerated
development in this vitally important sector. 4

Guided by President Goodluck Jonathan’s
Transformation Agenda and selfless
commitment to the entrenchment of
Affirmative Action in all facets of national
life, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
and Social Development wishes to place on
record the following achievements
recorded by the Administration within the
period under review:
5

o If there is one aspect of governance over which
there is overwhelming national consensus in
which the Jonathan Administration has excelled
in the past two years, it is in the integration of
women into National Development.
o This is because in all the policies and programmes
of the present Administration, the issues of
Affirmative Action, Gender Mainstreaming,
Equity and Balance, are the most significant.
7

o Indeed, I make bold to say that what President
Jonathan did for the Nigerian women in just a
span of two years, has superseded by far what
other Nigerian leaders did within 98 years of
leading our nation.
o Living up to his campaign promise to that
effect, President Goodluck Jonathan has
raised the number of women holding decision
making position in the Federal Government to
an unprecedented level. 9

We have witnessed the
appointments of:
• 13 female Ministers
• 5 Special Advisers
• 10 female Ambassadors
• 11 female Permanent Secretaries
• 16 female Judges of the
Federal High Court
10

• 16 female Judges of the Court
of Appeal
Supreme Court
National Industrial Court
• Acting President, Court of
Appeal; and
• The Chief Justice of the
Federation.
11

Undoubtedly, these appointments have set the
stage for the attainment of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) target number
three on Gender Equity and Women
Empowerment, and also laid a solid foundation
for transforming Nigeria into one of the top 20
economies of the world by the year 2020.
12

Establishment of
Gender Units in All
Federal MDAs
13

Even more significant is the commitment of the
Administration to leave a permanent legacy on
Affirmative Action in public life, by
mainstreaming Gender in the Federal Civil
Service. As a practical demonstration to this
commitment, the Federal Executive Council
approved for the establishment of Gender Units
in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies
(MDAs), and the appointment of the Directorate
Cadre to head such units.
Establishment of Gender Units in All Federal MDAs
14

You will recall that in my briefing in May last year, I
stated that when fully operational, these Units will
ensure the reflection of gender perspectives in the
Budget System of all MDAs as well as incorporate
gender components in National Accounting System,
Recruitments and Appointments. To ensure the full
takeoff of this vitally important aspect of gender
mainstreaming, we are currently liaising with the
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the
Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission
for the creation of appropriate Cadre and the
appointment of relevant officers to coordinate the
activities of the Gender Units.
Establishment of Gender Units in All Federal MDAs…Contd.
15

GENDER BUDGETING
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina during an Advocacy Visit on Improved Gender Budgeting to the Coordinating
Minister for the Economy and
Hon. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
16

A very remarkable achievement by the
Administration within the period under review is
the bold initiative to commence Gender
Budgeting with five (5) pilot Federal Ministries
that include Agriculture, Health, Communication
Technology, Water Resources and Works.
Beginning with the 2013 Budget, the total sum
of 3 billion naira has been earmarked to cater
for Gender Related components of the Budget in
the affected Ministries.
GENDER BUDGETING
17

In our efforts to ensure the implementation of
policies and programmes by all tiers of
government and other stakeholders that
represent Nigeria’s regional and global
commitments to the welfare and development
of women, children, Persons with Disabilities
and the Elderly, we adopted Advocacy as a
strategic tool.
Advocacy
Hon. Minister of Women
Affairs & Social Dev., Hajiya
Zainab Maina (L) and the
Secretary to the Government
of the Federation, Sen. Anyim
Pius Anyim during the
Minister’s Advocacy Visit to
the SGF’s Office.
19

i. High-level Advocacy
A very important aspect of our Advocacy Project is the
commencement of high-level Advocacy Visits at the
Federal Level to the National Assembly, Ministries,
Departments and Agencies, all in an effort to ensure
multi-faceted approaches to holistically tackle the
various challenges, and problems confronting our
mandate groups.
Advocacy…Contd.
Partnership with
the Minister of
Information, Mr.
Labaran Maku
on Child
Development
Minister of Women
Affairs, Hajiya
Zainab Maina and
the Minister of
National Planning,
Dr. Shamsuddeen
Usman
20

At this juncture, I am happy to
report that our Advocacy to
both the Senate President and
the Honourable Speaker of the
House of Representatives has
brought about renewed vigour
with which the National
Assembly is now dealing with
Bills, especially relating to
women, Persons with
Disabilities and the Elderly.
Advocacy…Contd.High-level Advocacy…Contd.
Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya
Zainab Maina and Senate
President, David Mark 21

Our Advocacy Visit to the Governor
of the Central Bank has also
brought about the initiation of
favourable policies that will enable
women have easier access to loans
and other financial support from
Commercial Banks to boost their
economic activities. Of particular
interest is the recent directive by
the CBN that as from 2014, 30
percent of Board Directors of Banks
must be women, while banks have
been compelled to publish
positions allocated to women and
men in their organizations.
Advocacy…Contd.High-level Advocacy…Contd.
Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Dev.,
Hajiya Zainab Maina (L) in a discussion with the
CBN Governor, Mal. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi during
an Advocacy Visit to the Apex Bank
22

As a result of our engagement with the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture, Labour Saving Farming
Equipment/Implements for Women Farmers will
soon be introduced while capital support will be
provided to Women Farmers Cooperatives and
Groups, in an effort to enhance their
productions and increase farm output.
Advocacy…Contd.
High-level AdvocacyHigh-level Advocacy…Contd.
23

In the same vein, our Advocacy to the Federal
Minister of Health has resulted in new
partnership in the areas of Maternal and Child
Mortality, Control and Treatment of Breast and
Cervical Cancers, HIV/AIDS and Malaria control.
Popularizing the use of primary healthcare
facilities in the rural areas will also be intensified
going forward.
Advocacy…Contd.
High-level Advocacy…Contd.
24

In addition, our visit to Inspector General of Police
has resulted in increased collaboration in
addressing rampant cases of Rape, Violence against
Women, Prostitution, Hawking by Children and
Child Trafficking. Similarly, additional Gender Desks
are being established in Police Stations across the
country to specifically address gender based
violence. This is after the Desk Officers undergo
specialized training programme to equip them with
skills and competencies in handling such cases
properly.
Advocacy…Contd.
High-level Advocacy…Contd.
25

ii. State Advocacy
In recognition of Advocacy as our greatest tool of
engagement, we undertook visits to the States of the
Federation, where we engaged the States’ Executive, the
Legislature, Traditional Rulers, Non-Governmental
Organizations and Community-Based Organizations, to
seek for legal and administrative reforms and policies on
the advancement of women, children, PWDs and other
vulnerable members of the society. We paid particular
attention on the need for State Governments to introduce
appropriate reforms and policies towards the reduction
of Maternal and Child Mortality, increased budgetary
allocation to female reproductive health, women
empowerment, Child Development and welfare of
Persons with Disabilities and the elderly.
Advocacy…Contd.
26

ii. State Advocacy…Contd.
In addition to establishing partnership with the
State Governments, we also visited and distributed
aids, appliances and relief materials to Women and
Children Hospitals, Children Homes, Old People’s
Homes, VVF Centres and Persons With Disabilities.
We also met and interacted with our mandate
groups with a view to listening to their peculiar
problems as the first step towards planning
evidence-based interventions. Within the period,
we visited Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo, Kaduna, Ekiti,
Kogi, Jigawa and Kano States. In fact, tomorrow we
are setting out to Bayelsa and Delta States.
Advocacy…Contd.
27

ii. State Advocacy…Contd.
At this juncture, I am very pleased to acknowledge
the positive responses of the State Governments
we have visited so far, as all of them have already
started free anti-natal and post-natal care for
pregnant women and children below the ages of 5,
in an effort to contribute to the reduction of
Maternal and Child Mortality. They have also
started executing positive Policies, Programmes and
Projects on women, children and Persons With
Disabilities. There is now a renewed vigour across
the States on increased participation of women in
governance and decision making process.
Advocacy…Contd.
28

Advocacy…Contd.
iii)Policy Dialogue with Development Partners
Another platform we adopted was the introduction
of a Consultative Meeting and Policy Dialogue with
our Development Partners with a view to soliciting
for improved support and funding.
Picture Caption:
Minister of Women Affairs &
Social Development, Hajiya
Zainab Maina with World Bank
officials during Their visit to the
Ministry
29

Advocacy…Contd.
Courtesy call on the Honourable
Minister by the Country Director,
Chichi Aniagolu and other officials
of OXFAM
The idea here is to re-kindle their interest and focus
their interventions in the new policy direction of the
present Administration along the path of national
transformation. This has been rewarding as these
partners have identified with us in different areas and
this, we are optimistic will continue.
iii)Policy Dialogue with Development Partners…Contd.
Minister by Officials of the Polish
Government
Minister by U.N Envoys
30

Advocacy…Contd.
iv. Forum of Female Ministers and
Special Advisers to the President
This strategy was adopted in a bid to
scale-up response on Affirmative
Action, Gender-mainstreaming and
Gender-focused Budgeting and
take-off of Gender Units in the
MDAs.
31

Advocacy…Contd.
The objective of creating the forum is to further
provide Nigerian women in governance and decision
making with a platform upon which they could meet
and share ideas, compare notes on their
experiences in governance and strategize properly in
meeting the challenges of mainstreaming gender
issues in national development. Expectedly, the
Forum has added value to mainstreaming gender in
governance and ensures the success of the
Transformation Agenda across the sectors.
iv. Forum of Female Ministers and Special Advisers to the President…Contd.
32

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
My Ministry, recognizing the fact that majority
of our women are poor, has worked hard in
collaboration with other partners, to put in
place mechanisms to boost women
entrepreneurial activities as well as encourage
skills acquisition especially for rural women.
Consequently, interventions for the economic
empowerment of women were carried out
within the reporting period in the following
areas: 34

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
 77 Skills Acquisition Centres under
construction across the country , 24 Centres
are completed and fully equipped;
Completed And Equipped Skills Acquisition Centre At
Birin-Kebbi
35

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN…Contd.
 Each Skills Acquisition Centre is
expected to train 500 women
and persons with disabilities
per year to reduce
unemployment and associated
social vices in the society,
increase income generation
through job creation for
women and assist in reducing
youth restiveness, especially at
the grassroots.
36

The Ministry operates 2 major Micro-credit
schemes namely:
o Business Development Fund (BUDFOW)
o Women Fund for Economic Empowerment
(WOFEE)
37

In collaboration with Bank of Industry: This renders
financial and technical support to Nigerian women
entrepreneurs with prospect for business
development but constrained by lack of access to
credit facilities from the conventional financial
institutions. Within the period under review, a total
of 56 Women projects have received about N82
Million from the revolving loan of the scheme.
Business Development Fund (BUDFOW)
38

In collaboration with Bank of Agriculture and the States:
This provides group credit facilities to women cooperatives
in rurall areas. Within the last two years, about 5500
women groups/ cooperatives have received N27.2 Million
out of which over 6000 jobs in animal fattening, poultry,
farming, and trading were created during the period. 28
States of the Federation are participating in the scheme,
out of which 12 States have contributed their counterpart
funds in the sum of N 103,500,000.00 to WOFEE.
The two schemes are revolving facilities with interest rate
of 10%.
Women Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE)
39

Other initiatives
on Empowerment of Women Include:
40

Other initiatives on Empowerment of Women
 Distributed Skills Acquisition
Equipment to VVF Rehabilitation
Centres in Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom,
Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta,
Ebonyi, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kaduna,
Kano, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Sokoto,
Yobe, and Zamfara States. These
include Irrigation Pumping
machines, Grinding machines,
Sewing Machines, Commercial
Phone Booth Accessories, Clothing
and other materials necessary for
training and commercial activities.
41

Other initiatives on Empowerment of Women…Contd.
 Support to 5 (Five) NGOs to the tune of
over N5Million to establish various
economic ventures, and in turn employed
over 1000 vulnerable women at the
grassroots;
 About 2000 vulnerable women, including
women in distress, Women with disabilities,
Widows, Victims of HIV/AIDs were grant-
aided and provided with empowerment
equipment such as Grinding Machines,
Coolers, Hair Dryers, Tailoring and
Embroidery Machines to make them self
reliant;
TRAINING OF PWDs AT
GRINDING SKILL CENTRE
PWDs AT HAIRDRESSING
SALON
42

Established 6 Cottage Industries to support women engaged in
the processing of farm produce. These projects are located in:
 Abia,
 Ekiti,
 Cross River,
 Delta; and
 Sokoto States,
and were established in line with activities of cooperative
groups that specialize in different areas of production and
availability of raw materials.
43

 Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
Nigerian Capital Development Fund, for the implementation
of a National Grassroots Economic Empowerment Scheme, as
part of effort to reduce poverty and unemployment in the
country, especially for the rural women. Already, a Technical
Team with membership from NCDF and the Ministry is
currently working towards the timely takeoff of the Fund.
 We reported last year that an Inter-Ministerial Committee on
Women in Agribusiness between my Ministry and the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was
constituted to mainstream gender in the agricultural sector.
44

This is with a view to raising the access bar of women
in agricultural assets and to situate them to benefit
from the programme on the Nigeria Inventive-Based
Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). I
am now glad to report that Women in Agribusiness
have started enjoying from the support being
provided to them by the Federal Ministry of
Agriculture in the areas of extension services, seeds
and seedlings, fertilizer and other farming inputs. In
addition, local production of women-friendly farming
implements and processing machines to enhance
productions will soon be available for women farmers.
45

In recognition of our role to provide the policy
framework to guide all our stakeholders and to
integrate our issues and concerns into their
sectors, we are developing new policies and
reviewing some existing ones as follows:
 The Ministry has prepared a draft Social Welfare
Policy in Nigeria aimed at improving the welfare of
the society’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged
groups notably, the Poor, Families in Distress,
Older Persons, Discharged Offenders, Destitutes
and the Needy was developed in 2012 and is
currently being validated. 47

Picture Caption:
(L-R) United Nations Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria,
Mr. Daouda Toure, representative of
UN Women to Nigeria and the ECOWAS,
Dr. Grace Ongile, Minister of Women
Affairs and Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina and Deputy
Inspector General of Police, CID, Peter
Gana launching the Policy Document
 The Gender Policy for the Nigeria Police was
launched in September 2012, as a necessary
tool to engender the Police as well as
provide the necessary guide towards proper
handling of Gender-based Violence.
48

 The Ministry participated in the review of
the 1999 Constitution, to ensure that gender
perspectives are incorporated in the
reviewed document.
 Above all, the Ministry is currently
reviewing the National Gender Policy
(2006) and its Strategic Implementation
Framework and Plan (2008) to tackle cases
of gender concerns and global emerging
issues; and participation
49

Nigerian women constitute about half of the
population of the country. But despite their
numerical strength and active participation as
campaign agents, mobilizers and most faithful
voters at every election, they have always faced
challenges and resistance when efforts were
made by them to participate in politics or to be
politically empowered.
Women in Politics
51

For long, social norms and beliefs had relegated
our women to subordinate position in the nation’s
political arena.
However, today, there is increased activism and a
consequential increasing number of women who
aspire for elected office. We commend the
visionary initiatives of Mr. President to encourage
the increased participation of women in politics,
especially in the last two years.
Women in Politics…Contd.
52

Within the period under review, we have
continued to strengthen our women political
mobilization structures to ensure greater increase
in the number of women in elective positions.
 We are currently refocusing the activities of our
six Women Zonal Political Empowerment
Offices towards identifying resourceful
candidates that will contest in subsequent
elections;
53

 We are also currently working with the
Management of the Nigerian Women Trust
Fund, towards sourcing for additional resources
that would support women candidates;
 The Ministry has been working with
Development Partners and other stakeholders
towards building the capacities of prospective
women candidates in the arts of politicking;
54

 The Ministry is intensifying Advocacy and Lobby
to States, Political Party Offices and other
stakeholders, to canvass for a more favourable
climate for women politicians; and
 We are also concluding arrangements to
resuscitate our ‘100 Women Lobby Group’ to
swing into action and mobilize support for
greater participation of women in politics and
governance in readiness for the 2015 General
Election. 55

Improvement of the Reproductive and Health
Rights of Women
The Ministry within the period under review
undertook the following interventions to reduce
maternal mortality rate in Nigeria:
57

 Distributed 2,500 Mama Kits during
advocacy visits to various States;
 Supported the training of specialized
Health Personnel;
 Conducted research on maternal health
and distribution of publications on social
causes of maternal deaths;
Improvement of the Reproductive and Health Rights of Women…Contd.
58

 Distributed 5,000 delivery kits for
indigent pregnant women aimed at safer
birth deliveries;
 Undertook advocacy and social
mobilization campaigns for improved
maternal mortality at National and State
levels.
Improvement of the Reproductive and Health Rights of Women…Contd.
59

KEY DELIVERABLES BASELINE
(2011 Dec.)
PLANNED
TARGET
(2012 Dec.)
ACTUAL ACHIEVEMENT
(2012 December)
IMPROVEMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE & HEALTH RIGHTS
OF WOMEN
Number of Women supported 5,000 7,000 7,500
Number of Primary Health
Care Supported with Boat
Ambulances
3 6 3
Number of VVF cases
supported
720 150 100
ACHIEVEMENTS AGAINST KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) CONT’D
Table 1
60

Gender Based Violence (GBV), most especially
Violence Against Women and girls (VAW), is a
subject matter of Human Rights and liberties.
This has taken centre stage in global discourse
with a significant determination for action to
end it.
Government policies adopted by different
agencies to combat all forms of violence against
women/girls in Nigeria include:
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
62

 The National Gender Policy (presently
undergoing review) and the Child Rights’ Act
which has been passed into law by 23 out of
36 States;
 the Draft Sexual Harassment Policy for
Educational Institutions by Federal Ministry
of Education; the Policy prohibiting Sexual
Harassment in the Work place by Federal
Ministry of Labour; and
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE…Contd.
63

 The Elimination of Violence Against Persons
Bill by Legislative Advocacy Coalition on
Violence Against Women (LACVAW) and the
Police Gender Policy by the Nigerian Police
Force.
64

My Ministry is overwhelmed with series of
violent cases requiring urgent legal attention as
such; we are currently working with the Federal
Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Commission,
FIDA, WRAPA, NAPTIP, other Civil Society
Groups and Non-Governmental Organisations,
to ensure the passage of appropriate
legislations to address these unwholesome
violations of women’s rights.
65

I am however delighted to report that our
collective efforts have started yielding positive
results. These include:
 The successful passage of Violence Against
Persons Prohibition Bill by National
Assembly (now awaiting Mr. President’s
accent) ;and the Gender and Equal
Opportunities Bill (GEOB) awaiting passage
by the National Assembly;
66

 Participation in the United Nations
Development Programme on Gender Issues
and the constitutional review;
 Support for the successful election of the
country’s candidates Mrs. Theodora Oby
Nwankwo into the UN Committee of Experts
on Convention on the Elimination of all forms
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for
4 years; and of Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh as
Rehabilitation International (RI)-Vice President
(African Region).
67

Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence
Within the period under review, the Ministry
commenced full services at the Kurudu Centre
for Female Victims of Domestic Violence in the
FCT. The place has been fully refurbished and
adequate facilities put in place to ensure
maximum usage. In addition, Professional
Counseling Staff have been deployed while a
functional Utility Vehicle has been provided to
ensure movement of victims to hospitals and
Police Stations.
68

Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence…Contd.
Also adequate training facilities on income-
generating activities is being provided to ensure
that the inmates are trained to become self-
reliant. Presently, an NGO is assisting the
Ministry in supervising the Shelter which has
received some assistance from UNFPA.
69

Honourable Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab
Maina and the UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women,
Ms. Michelle Bachellete, during the latter’s visit to Nigeria in January 2013
VISIT OF UN WOMEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NIGERIA
Bilateral Relations
71

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the
unassailable commitment of the Present
Administration on Women Empowerment,
Gender Mainstreaming and Affirmative Action
has indeed received the commendation of the
International Community, especially the United
Nations Entity for Women (UN Women).
Bilateral Relations
72

Indeed, it was in recognition of Nigeria’s monumental
achievements on women empowerment within the
period under review that the UN Under Secretary
General and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms.
Michelle Bachellete, visited Nigeria in January 2013.
Picture Caption:
President Goodluck
Jonathan in a group
photo with Ms.
Bachellete and
female members of
the Cabinet during
her courtesy visit to
the Presidential
Villa, Abuja.
Bilateral Relations
73

After sharing experiences with
various stakeholders and
having analyzed the giant
strides of the Administration on
appointive positions and
gender mainstreaming, the UN
Envoy advised Nigerian Women
to look beyond the Affirmative
Action target and work towards
50-50 by the year 2020.
Bilateral Relations
74
The UN Under-Secretary General and Exec. Director of
UN Women, Ms. Michelle Bachellete, being presented
with a locally produced fabric and pottery items at the
Ushafa Pottery Centre in Bwari Area Council, FCT
during her visit to Nigeria in January 2013

MOU with South Africa
During the recent State Visit of Mr. President to South
Africa in May, I signed on behalf of Nigeria a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South
Africa on Bilateral Cooperation on Women
Development, Child Welfare and Support for Persons
with Disabilities.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs & Social
Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina (L) and South
Africa's Minister of Women, Children, and Persons
with Disabilities, Lulama Xingwana in South Africa
President Goodluck
Jonathan, President
Jacob Zuma, Nigerian
Minister of Women
Affairs, Hajiya Zainab
Maina and Nigerian
Finance Minister, Dr.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
during President
Jonathan’s State Visit
to South Africa
Bilateral Relations
75

I am pleased to report that Nigeria and South Africa
will now work together to address the issues of
Women political and economic empowerment,
Women in Agriculture, Tourism, Oil and Gas, Health,
Rural Development and Education, Trade and
Investment.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women
Affairs & Social Dev., Hajiya
Zainab Maina (L) and South
Africa's Minister of Women,
Children, and Persons with
Disabilities, Lulama Xingwana
signing the MOU in South
Africa
Bilateral Relations
76

We will also exchange ideas on
various legal frameworks on
problem areas such as Trafficking
in Children, Sexual Exploitation,
Child Health and Nutrition,
Juvenile Justice Administration,
Adoption, and Orphans and
Vulnerable Children, especially
those orphaned by HIV/AIDS
pandemic, their care, support and
solution to stigmatization.
Bilateral Relations
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs &
Social Dev., Hajiya Zainab Maina (L) and
South Africa's Minister of Women,
Children, and Persons with Disabilities,
Lulama Xingwana after the signing of
the MOU in South Africa
77

MOU with Gambia and Niger
Bilateral Relations
Similarly, Nigeria has also entered into
other bilateral relationships with Gambia
and Niger on Women Empowerment and
Child Development, Protection and
Support. We have agreed to exchange
programmes and synergize on issues
relating to Women, economic
development, Child Rape and Trafficking,
Child Labour, Girl-Child Education and Care
for Persons with Disabilities, among others.
The MOU are to be signed in October,
2013. 78
Nigerian Minister of Women
Affairs & Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina and her
Nigerien counterpart Minister,
Dr. Maikibi Dandobi

Bilateral Relations
The ECOWAS Gender
Development Centre (EGDC),
whose mandate is to
strengthen women economic
empowerment within the
ECOWAS member-States, has
trained some selected
Nigerian Women into
Agricultural processing and
handcraft within the period
under review.
EGDC SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN WOMEN
President of the ECOWAS Commission,
His Excellency Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo,
and the Honourable Minister of Women
Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya
Zainab Maina during a visit to the
Commission
79

Bilateral Relations
The Ministry established partnership
with the Polish Government on
International Cooperation and
Cultural Exchange for the
empowerment of Nigerian Women
and provide succor to displaced
Nigerian Families, families in
distress; Persons With Disabilities
and Other Vulnerable Groups in the
Nigerian Federation.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Polish Ambassador to Nigeria,
Przemyslaw Niesiolowski during a
courtesy visit to the Minister of
Women Affairs and Social
Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina
80

Bilateral Relations
This partnership is founded on the ideals
of Lady Marie Sklowdowska Curie of
Poland who won the noble prize twice,
one in Chemistry and the other in
Physics. It is also premised on the key
areas of the Ministry’s mandate which
cover the capacity building of these
groups of Nigerians, and the
mainstreaming of their issues in the
country’s development process.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Lady Marie
Sklowdowska Curie
81

NATIONAL RETREAT ON WOMEN
AND DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND
NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
82

NATIONAL RETREAT ON WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
As a follow up action to the first National Retreat on
Women and Development, Peace and National
Transformation held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State which was
convened by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, my Ministry and the Akwa Ibom State
Government, we are now collaborating with Wives of
State Governors (working as peace advocates), State
Ministries of Women Affairs, Women Focused NGOs,
Community-Based Organisations, Civil Society Groups and
Local Government Women Development Offices across
the country, towards promoting peace, security and
national transformation.
83

NATIONAL RETREAT ON WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
With strong leadership from Her Excellency, the First Lady
and Chairperson of African First Ladies Peace Mission, we
are confident that our efforts will compliment that of
Government towards finding lasting solution to the
current security challenges in the country.
L-R: VP’s Wife Hajiya Amina
Namadi Sambo, First Lady,
Dr. Dame Patience Goodluck
Jonathan, Wife of Gov.
Akwa-Ibom State, Mrs.
Ekaette Unoma Akpabio and
the Honourable Minister of
Women Affairs & Social Dev.,
Hajiya Zainab Maina at the
First National Women
Retreat at Uyo, Akwa-Ibom
State.
84

THE NIGERIAN
GIRLS
MENTORSHIP
PROGRAMME
The Ministry, in collaborative effort with its only
parastatal, the National Centre for Women
Development (NCWD), UN Women, UNFPA, Action Aid
and UNICEF in April 2012 during the International
Women’s Day Celebration in Abuja, launched the
Nigerian Girls Mentorship Programme with the theme
“Our Girls, Our Future: Inspire to Aspire”. 86

The programme was designed to mentor selected
young girls to enable them have access to
knowledge and training on a range of issues.
The pilot scheme at the Federal level has already
commenced, and about 30 young girls are being
mentored by some outstanding women in the
Executive and Legislative Arms of Government.
This has been adopted by states at the recently
concluded National Council on Women Affairs and
Social Development.
THE NIGERIAN GIRLS MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME…Contd.
87

Indeed there is no better way to conclude the
giant stride of the Administration on Women
Empowerment and Affirmative Action within the
last two years than to acknowledge with great
pride, the admission of Nigerian young girls into
the Regular Service Training programmes of the
Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA
89

.
For the first time in the history of our nation, we
are witnessing gender mainstreaming in the
admission and training programmes of the
prestigious Defence Academy. Nigerian women
are very pleased with Mr. President for his
personal intervention in actualizing this
unprecedented achievement.
90

.
DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Within the period under review, the Federal
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social
Development wishes to place on record, the
following achievements recorded in the area of
Child Development.
92
First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan
and the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and
Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina
cutting a cake with children at a party organised
for them at the Presidential Villa, Abuja as part
of activities marking the International Children’s
Day Celebration on 27th May, 2013

. DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Child Rights’ Law
The Ministry in its efforts to carry out the mandate of
providing an enabling environment for the total well-
being and development of the Nigerian Child to
realize his/her potentials through the Advocacy
Strategy and Social Mobilization has continued to
dialogue with the remaining 13 (Thirteen) States yet
to pass the Child Rights’ Act into law. Those 23 States
and the FCT, that have passed the Child Rights’ Act
into law but yet to establish the Family and
Customary Courts, are being encouraged.
93

. DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Child Rights’ Law…Contd.
No doubt, the passage of the Child Rights’ Act and
the establishment of Family and Customary
Courts that will ensure the full implementation of
the provisions of the Act, will go a long way in
addressing such cases as Child Labour, Child
Trafficking, Street Begging and Hawking by
school-age children, Child and Teenage Rape, and
the recent reported cases of Baby Factories in
parts of the country.
94

. DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Development of a National Priority Agenda on Children
The Ministry, in collaboration with USAID, Office of the
Special Assistant to the President on MDGs and other
Partners, has developed a National Priority Agenda
(NPA) for Vulnerable Children in Nigeria. This is an 8-
year Strategic Frame-work to guide the multi-sectoral
implementation of the objectives and strategies of
Vision 20:2020 on the Nigerian Child. This is with a
view to holistically address all issues and concerns
affecting the survival, welfare and development of all
categories of Nigerian Children.
95

. DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Nigeria Children’s Parliament
Nigeria Children’s Parliament was
conceptualized as a platform where
children between the ages of 10 - 18
years could express themselves on
issues affecting their welfare. The
Parliament is also a medium of
information flow between the
children, policy makers and
programme implementers.
96

As part of the centenary celebrations, the
Parliament held a Special Sitting in May, 2013
where members took a look at the present state
of the Nigerian Child and the future of children
against emerging national issues, and passed
far-reaching resolutions which if implemented
by stakeholders, will guarantee a better Nigeria
fit for children to grow and actualize their
dreams and aspirations.
DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
Nigeria Children’s Parliament…Contd.
97

I am particularly delighted to
inform this august gathering
that activities at the
construction site of the Abuja
National Children’s Resource
Centre have resumed recently,
as a result of the personal
intervention of President
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
National Children Resource Centre
National Children’s Resource
Centre, Abuja
98

The project, which has been abandoned since
2008 due to lack of budgetary support, is now
back on its feet as a result of the allocation of
substantial funding by the Administration to the
project under the current financial year.
Already, the Contractor has moved to the site,
and it is expected that the project will be
completed and commissioned by the end of next
year.
DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
National Children Resource Centre…Contd
99

When completed, the Centre will in addition to
housing the National Children’s Parliament, serve
as a one-stop referral point on all issues and
concerns on the Nigerian children.
DEVELOPMENTH
DL
IC
National Children Resource Centre…Contd
100

Empowerment of Other
Vulnerable Groups
101

Empowerment of Other Vulnerable Groups
The Ministry has continued to facilitate the mobility of
Persons with Disabilities through the provision of various
Aids and Appliances. Within the period under review:
• About Six Hundred (600) Persons with Disabilities have
been assisted to aid their mobility and enhance their
standard of living;
• A total of 115 ( One Hundred and Fifteen) Visually
Impaired Persons benefitted from skill acquisition
programmes from the Nigerian Farmcraft Centre for
the Blind, Lagos;
102

Income Support and Skills Acquisition Training
Programme on Soap Making, Poultry/Fish
Farming and Tie and Dye was held in November
2012 for 72 (Seventy Two) Older Persons from 13
Local Government Areas of Ebonyi States, and the
sum of N50, 000 take-off grant was given to each
of the participant at the end of the training
programme;
103

A total of 570 (Five Hundred and Seventy) Social
Workers have so far graduated with National
Diploma in Social Work from the Federal School
of Social Work, Emene, Enugu State, and 100
(One Hundred) student admitted for the same
programme in 2013. Another set of 3000 (Three
Thousand) Social Workers have been identified
though a survey of Social Development Work
Force to be trained in collaboration with UNICEF
and USAID;
104

The Ministry trained and empowered 400
(Four Hundred) Persons with Disabilities that
cut across various strata of the economy, with
a N30,000 take-off grant to each participant;
A group of 20 (Twenty) Disability-Focused
NGOs were empowered with N 500,000 (Five
Hundred Thousand Naira) each to conduct
Train-the-Trainers programme in their
respective areas of operations;
105

A total of Ten Thousand, Three Hundred and
Ninety Five (10,395) vulnerable children
nationwide are currently being supported in the
areas of Education through the payment of
school levies, health, provision of psychosocial,
shelter, food and nutrition.
106

15th Regular National Council on
Women Affairs and Social Development
107

The Ministry successfully hosted the First Lady, Her
Excellency, Dame (Dr) Patience Goodluck Jonathan to the
15th General Meeting of the National Council on Women
Affairs and Social Development in Lokoja, Kogi State, only
few weeks ago, where 31 States participated. We are
confident that the presence of the First Lady is a clear
indication that the Administration will do more for
women, children and Persons With Disabilities in terms
of new policies, programmes and projects.
15th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social
Development:
108

109
Commemoration of International Days

The Ministry commemorated the following
international days as observed in other parts of the
world:
International Women’s Day - 8th March. This year’s
event was held in Lagos from 18th – 19th April, 2013 to
celebrate 100 years of Nigerian Women, and as part
of activities marking Nigeria’s Centenary Celebrations.
International Day of the Family – 15th May. A day
set aside to appreciate the role of the family in nation
building.
110

International Widows Day – 23rd June. A day to
identify with the plights of widows in the society.
The Ministry in collaboration with an NGO
distributed 500 empowerment equipment which
included sewing and embroidery machines, grinding
machines, coolers, fridges, hair dryers, generators,
etc to widows in Abuja;
International Day of the Older Persons - 2nd
October. A day in honour of our senior citizens and
used to raise public awareness on the care of the
older persons in the society. 111

World Peace Day – 24th September. A day adopted to
create awareness on the need for peace, social
cohesion and conflict resolution - 1,000 children from
the States participated at the event.
International White Cane Day – 15th October. A day
to identify with the Visually Impaired worldwide.
Day of Persons with Disability– 3rd December. A day
to identify with disabilities. The Theme last year was
‘Removing Barriers to create an inclusive and
accessible Society for all. 112

Day of the African Child – 16th June. A day approved
by the African Union (AU) to commemorate the tragic
event which took place in Soweto, South Africa in 1976
when school children were massacred while agitating
for their rights. 1,200 children drawn from the states
of the Federation participated at the event;
Universal Day of the Child – 20th November. A day
adopted by the UN General Assembly and ratified by
Nigeria to celebrate the rights of the child. 300
children mobilized for the celebration in Abuja.
113

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR
WOMEN DEVELOPMENT
(NCWD)
114

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT (NCWD)
The National Centre for Women Development
(NCWD)is the only parastatal of the Federal
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social
Development. It is an institution created for
gender training and capacity building, research,
and documentation. This makes it a cross-
sectional and trans-disciplinary instrument for
sustainable human development.
During the period under review, the NCWD has
recorded the following achievements: 115

National Gender Data Bank
The National Gender Data Bank (NGDB) was
established to generate, store and access
gender specific data as a means of pooling and
harmonizing data sources from all sectors of the
Nigerian economy at all levels into a one stop
referral point.
116

Under the second phase of the National Gender
Data Bank project which has just been completed,
the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the
President on the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), funded the collection of Sex Disaggregated
data on the Nigerian Elections from 1999 to date,
Production and Publication of Final Report,
Website Development and hosting of the National
Gender Data Bank on the internet and Training of
staff for effective management of the Gender Data
Bank.
National Gender Data Bank
117

The Nigerian Women Hall of
Fame is one of the visual
forms of documentation and
consists of archival materials
on Women Achievers. The
Hall of Fame was recently
remodeled to specifically pay
tribute to Nigerian Women
through the ages in all sectors
and aspects of national life.
Nigerian Women Hall of Fame
First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck
Jonathan during her Induction to
the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame
at the National Centre for Women
Development, Abuja.
118

The Hall portrays role models for younger girls
and the society at large on the unlimited
potentials of women in the Nigerian Society.
Recently it hosted Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN-
Women Under Secretary and former President
of Chile on 11th January 2013, where her
photograph was unveiled.
119

But even more significantly, and in special
recognition of her role for specifically re-
awakening the consciousness of the Nigerian
Women, Her Excellency the First Lady of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame (Dr.) Patience
Goodluck Jonathan was inducted into the
Nigerian Women Hall of Fame on 11th June,
2013 during which the Hall was officially
opened to the general public.
120

The National Centre for Women
Development, in collaboration with
the Ministry, has trained a total
number of 9,210 various Vocational
Skills and Income-Generation
activities nationwide that include
Interior and Outdoor Decorations,
Cosmetology, Hair Dressing,
Fashion Design and Tailoring, Cake
Making, Hospitality and Tourism.
Training and Capacity Building
Women in ICT Vocational
Training at NCWD, Abuja
121

Others include Jewelry and Beads Making, Soap
and Detergent Making, and Computer
Appreciation and Operation. Interestingly, the
Centre has obtained the National Board for
Technical Education(NBTE) accreditation for
Vocational and ICT programmes
Training and Capacity Building
Jewelry and Beads
made by trainees and
displayed at the NCWD.
122

Though graduation of trainees is a
regular feature of the NCWD
programmes, 11th June, 2013 was a
milestone in the Centre as it
graduated two thousand, four
hundred and forty two (2,442) in
Hospitality and Tourism Studies,
Cosmetology and Beauty Therapy,
and Fashion Design, Bead &
Jewelry Making and Gender & ICT
at a Combined Graduation
Ceremony.
Graduation Ceremony
123
First Lady Dame Patience
Jonathan receiving an award from
the Minister, Hajiya Maina

The Graduation Ceremony was
attended by the First Lady of the
Federal Republic, Dame (Dr.) Patience
Jonathan, the wife of the Vice
President, Hajiya Amina Namadi
Sambo, the Honourable Minister of
Women Affairs & Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina, MFR, FCIA, top
government functionaries and other
stakeholders.
Graduation Ceremony
124
First Lady Dame Patience
Jonathan presenting a certificate
to one of the graduating students
Cross Section of dignitaries at the
ceremony

The NCWD is currently reactivating Women
Development Centres established in the 774
Local Government Areas, for the purpose of
achieving women empowerment and poverty
reduction at the grassroots through vocational
training and basic literacy.
Reactivation of Women Development Centres
125

Under the second phase of the programme:
 The Centre has intervened in three Local
Governments each of four selected States of
Adamawa, Ekiti, Gombe and Oyo in 2013
through institutional strengthening and
capacity building of officials of the Women
Development Centres to reposition them for
the task of wealth creation and employment
generation.
126

 The Centre, under a Technical Co-operation
with Japan International Cooperation
Agency, JICA, trained instructors of the
Women Development Centres and provided
tools and equipment as models for the States
to replicate.
127

In addition, the NCWD successfully carried out a Needs
Assessment Exercise under a Women Economic
Empowerment Project in six Local Government Areas
of Maradun, TalataMafara, Bakura, Gumi, Bukkuyum
and Anka in Zamfara West Senatorial Zone. The
Research was hinged on the success story of the
National Centre for Women Development project of
Activation of Women Development Centres which
recognizes that community development programmes
should be ready to meet changing needs of the target
population to make them truly self-reliant after the
completion of the project.
128

Over the years, the NCWD has been in the forefront of
innovation in ICT training for women and children in
Nigeria to link them to the information super highway.
The NCWD Information Technology (IT) training targets
beginners and advanced learners. Additional skill
development training opportunities have been
designed for learners who want to widen their
knowledge in specific areas. The Center has state-of-
the-art video conferencing equipment, with a broader
bandwidth to accommodate video streaming for live
conferencing.
ICT TRAINING
129

This service is available to host meetings worldwide,
distance learning and many other events requiring
people to interact without being physically present as a
group. Some of the programmmes carried out include:
National Children’s Conference on ICT for the
Nigerian Child:
The Annual Children’s Computer Appreciation
Programme runs during the long holidays. Between
August 2011 and August 2013, a total number of sixty
five (65) Children from the States participated in the
two weeks long programmes.
ICT TRAINING
130

“No Woman Left Out” Computer and Business Skills
Training for the Nigerian Woman:
A total of Ninety Three (93) women drawn from the 36
States of the Federation and the Federal Capital
Territory were trained during the first batch
programme and another batch of 40 will be trained in
the month of July 2013.
ICT TRAINING
131

CONCLUSION
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot end this
presentation without expressing our sincere gratitude
to the individuals and institutions that have provided a
solid platform of support for us.
I wish to express our deep appreciation to His
Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the excellent
support he has given and continue to give on all issues
relating to the advancement of women, children and
other vulnerable groups in the society.
133

CONCLUSION
But we must also recognize the relentless efforts of the
Mother of the Nation, Her Excellency the First Lady of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Patience
Goodluck Jonathan for making it all happen for
Women – Her Excellency has indeed been very
instrumental to the present improved status of women
in Nigeria.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I hasten to state
that none of the achievements of the Ministry that I
have spelt out in this Address would have been
possible without the co-operation and support of the
Media. 134

CONCLUSION
We remain eternally grateful for your ready support
and forbearance at all times, even as we look forward
to a continued cordial relationship.
I thank all stakeholders for your partnership as we
make efforts to improve the lives of the generality of
our citizenry by empowering women, persons with
disabilities, the elderly and creating better conditions
that would enable our children grow to be the true
leaders of this great nation.
135

Ministry of Women Affairs

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Similaire à Ministry of Women Affairs

Similaire à Ministry of Women Affairs (20)

Plus de TransformNG

Plus de TransformNG (20)

Dernier

Dernier (12)

Ministry of Women Affairs