The federal government has unveiled the gender strategy for the Nigerian mining and steel sectors, as a pioneering initiative to foster diversity, empower women and enhance the overall sustainability of the mining sector.
Speaking at a dual-pronged occasion which also marked the launch of the Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy, the minister of solid minerals development, Dr Dele Alake, noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises gender equity and female participation in its roadmap for the growth and development of the mining industry.
Alake said, ”We believe that promoting gender equality is both a moral and strategic decision that will drive innovation, enhance productivity and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation. We encourage our stakeholders to also entrench gender equality in their organisations.
“As we gather here, we recognize the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector role, thereby shaping our nation’s development. Their talents, expertise and perspectives are also essential to the success and growth of the mining industry.”
A statement by Head, Information and Public Relations, Mr Alabama Balogun said, with a retrospective assessment of the biases and inequalities against women in the sector, Dr Alake posited that the present administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to foster diversity and empower women by implementing its roadmap initiative.
The minister said further that, ”In line with the strategy objectives, which are firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment in both ministries, we are committed to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities.”
In her address, the national president (WIMIN), Mrs Janet Adeyemi, represented by Mrs Emily Ofodile, stated that the day’s launch served as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for collective action and solidarity.
