Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for stronger global action to economically empower women, insisting it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, drive equity, and build lasting peace across societies.
Mahmoud made the call on Monday in Abuja during a program organised for women political leaders, industry players, and policy experts by ministry of women affair.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud linked Nigeria’s domestic policy direction under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to global goals of gender inclusion and equality.
According to her, the administration places emphasis on youth development and expanding opportunities for women to thrive as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration is committed to building an environment where women have equitable access to finance, skills, and markets so they can contribute fully to national development,” Mahmoud declared.
She stressed that gender equality must be treated as a fundamental right and not as a privilege, warning that without inclusive financing and policies, sustainable peace and development would remain out of reach.
Read Also:
- Igbos in FCT seek political solution to Kanu’s travails
- Our demands yet to be met, FCT resident doctors reply Wike
- FCT minister of state reiterates commitment to ensuring pilgrims welfare
“This gathering underscores the truth that gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and financing inclusive growth is a responsibility we must all shoulder,” she told participants.
Mahmoud further argued that prioritizing women in economic growth strategies would yield benefits beyond individuals, transforming families, communities, and entire nations.
The forum, with the theme: “Scaling women’s economic empowerment: Financing inclusive growth for peace, development, and human rights,” drew a diverse set of participants, including political leaders, policy makers, diplomats, innovators, and corporate executives.
Organizers said the goal was to forge fresh strategies for bridging gender gaps in economic participation and to push for practical financing models that can accelerate women’s inclusion in decision-making, trade, and innovation.
Mahmoud’s intervention at the UN event comes as Nigeria continues to face criticism over persistent gender inequality in politics and governance.
Women currently occupy less than 10 percent of elective offices in the country, with repeated calls from activists and civil society groups for institutional reforms to break systemic barriers against female participation.
