The Lagos state government Tuesday launched the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy with the objective of empowering women economically and politically.
Speaking at the launch of the policy held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos Island, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that despite the state economic vibrancy, women, who constitute nearly half of the population, continue to face substantial barriers in education, skill acquisition, access to finance, and participation in both traditional and emerging industries, including agriculture and technology.
He stated that the launch of the policy marks a pivotal step in changing that narrative.
“The Lagos State WEE Policy Roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address these systemic challenges. This roadmap aligns not only with our state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that at the heart of the roadmap are five key pillars: Agriculture; Entrepreneurship; Traditional Labour Market; Emerging Industries; Education and Skill Acquisition
He added that through those pillars, the policy seeks to bridge existing gender gaps, strengthen financial inclusion, promote digital and technological equity, and advance women’s leadership in critical sectors.
Sanwo-Olu said it also proposes innovative solutions that challenge socio-cultural barriers and implement gender-responsive governance based on data-driven strategies.
“The development of this roadmap was underpinned by a robust stakeholder engagement process. From government ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, to non-governmental organizations, private sector players, community leaders, and women’s groups across the state, including women with disabilities, we ensured that no voice was left unheard,” Sanwo-Olu assured.