#MP2013 Presentation of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development

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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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

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• 16 female Judges of the Court of Appeal

• 3 female Judges of the Supreme Court

• 6 female Judges of the National Industrial Court

• Acting President, Court of Appeal; and

• The Chief Justice of the Federation.

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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.

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Establishment of Gender Units in All

Federal MDAs

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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ADVOCACY

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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.

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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

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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.


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

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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 Advocacy High-level Advocacy…Contd.

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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.


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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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The Ministry operates 2 major Micro-credit schemes namely: o Business Development Fund (BUDFOW)

o Women Fund for Economic Empowerment

(WOFEE)

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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)

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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)

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Other initiatives on Empowerment of Women Include:

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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.

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EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN…Contd. 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

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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.

Other initiatives on Empowerment of Women…Contd.

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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.


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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.


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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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;


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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;


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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.


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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.


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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;

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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 NIGERIABilateral Relations

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VISIT OF UN WOMEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NIGERIA

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

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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

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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

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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

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MOU with South Africa 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

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MOU with South Africa 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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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NATIONAL RETREAT ON WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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DEVELOPMENT

H D L I C

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. DEVELOPMENT H D L

I C

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.

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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

. DEVELOPMENT H D L I C

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.

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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


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


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.

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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.

DEVELOPMENT H D L I C

Nigeria Children’s Parliament…Contd.

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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.


National Children Resource Centre

National Children’s Resource Centre, Abuja

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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.


National Children Resource Centre…Contd

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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.


National Children Resource Centre…Contd

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Empowerment of Other Vulnerable Groups

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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;

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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;


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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;

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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.

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15th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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:

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.


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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.


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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.


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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.


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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.


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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

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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

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“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

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CONCLUSION

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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.

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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.

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#MP2013 Presentation of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development

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