The ECOWAS Fee has organised a Regional Assembly of Specialists from Member States on gender mainstreaming in Commerce from September 24 to 26, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The target of the three-day assembly is to advertise inclusive and sustainable commerce in ECOWAS by guaranteeing that Member Sates mainstream gender of their Nationwide Commerce insurance policies/initiatives consistent with regional approaches and tips, in addition to empower ladies in enterprise. The assembly may even present a platform for commerce and gender focal factors to share varied nationwide initiatives and challenges and solicit their enter and validation of related group texts.
The opening ceremony, which was moderated by Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, the Director of Commerce of the ECOWAS Fee, featured remarks by the European Union, ECOWAS and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr. Isioma Frank OKAFOR, Consultant of the European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, careworn that the give attention to mainstreaming gender in nationwide commerce insurance policies and initiatives is just not solely well timed however important. This he mentioned will make sure that ladies are empowered and have equal alternatives in enterprise.
Whereas welcoming delegates to the assembly, Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, the Commissioner for Financial Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Fee, highlighted that girls owned companies usually wrestle to entry export markets, and ladies employees are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors and commerce insurance policies incessantly overlook gender-specific wants and views resulting in the prevailing inequalities.
The Commissioner emphasised that “addressing these disparities is essential for selling inclusive and equitable commerce practices, unlocking the potential of girls entrepreneurs and employees, and guaranteeing that worldwide commerce advantages all members of the society”
In her assertion, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, the Commissioner for Human Improvement and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Fee, highlighted that the
founding fathers of ECOWAS thought of commerce as a positive and fast technique of attaining regional integration.
“Along with being a supply of revenue, it performs an necessary position in sustainable growth due to its contribution to nationwide and regional development. It additionally contributes to the empowerment of girls by guaranteeing their entry to sources and management over them” she added.
Dr. Simon OMO-EZOMO, Director for Particular Duties, Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his opening remarks, careworn the significance of inclusive and sustainable commerce within the ECOWAS Area. Including that by guaranteeing that Gender is mainstreamed in our commerce insurance policies, we will create a extra equitable and affluent buying and selling atmosphere that advantages all members of our society, particularly ladies.
The Assembly which is attended by Gender and Commerce Specialists from ECOWAS Member States, Gender and Commerce Stakeholders from the Area, and Representatives from the ECOWAS Fee will Validate Commerce and Gender Plan of Motion (2024-2027), think about commerce devices and initiatives, think about the findings of a research on Girls in Commerce, current regional initiatives and worldwide greatest practices on commerce facilitation and gender, and think about approaches of mainstreaming gender into commerce coverage, amongst others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS).
