NIMC Joins Gender Inclusion Conference to Advance Women’s Empowerment

NIMC Joins Gender Inclusion Conference to Advance Women’s Empowerment

 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality by actively participating in the Gender Inclusion Conference (#SheIsIncluded), an initiative organized by the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The high-profile conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders to discuss and address pressing issues affecting Nigerian women. Key topics of discussion include access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, digital inclusion, and leadership representation. The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where women have equal opportunities to thrive.

As the primary institution responsible for identity management in Nigeria, NIMC recognizes the crucial role that equitable access to identity services plays in empowering women. The Commission emphasized the importance of ensuring that national identification systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians, particularly women and marginalized groups.

NIMC reiterated its dedication to promoting gender-sensitive policies and innovations that make identity registration easier for women, especially those in underserved communities. The Commission also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline registration processes, improve accessibility, and raise awareness about the importance of digital identity in accessing essential services such as banking, healthcare, and social welfare.

In a statement, NIMC commended the Office of the Vice President and all stakeholders involved in organizing the conference, acknowledging their relentless efforts in advancing gender equity in Nigeria. The Commission further encouraged continued collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to ensure lasting progress in women’s empowerment and inclusion.

With this participation, NIMC reinforces its role as a key enabler in the national drive for gender equality and inclusive development, aligning with global best practices and Nigeria’s broader socio-economic goals.

Girls Belong Here: AstraZeneca Shows Commitment to Gender Equality and Female Representation in Africa

Girls Belong Here: AstraZeneca Shows Commitment to Gender Equality and Female Representation in Africa

In celebration of International Day of the Girl, AstraZeneca’s (www.AstraZeneca.com) Africa team has joined the global #GirlsBelongHere campaign, a Plan International initiative, to promote inclusion and draw attention to the obstacles faced by young women in Africa.

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As a science-led company, AstraZeneca is passionate about inspiring and advancing the next generation of women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). To commemorate the day, AstraZeneca’s senior leaders stepped aside from their roles for the day to give 15 girls from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Accra and Lagos a unique opportunity to take charge. The participants attended meetings and workshops and shadowed the multinational company’s regional leaders including, amongst others, Barbara Nel, Country President African Cluster, Arpit Bansal, Country Director for Sub Saharan Africa and Taryn Purdon Business Unit Director of Oncology for African Cluster. The Africa Boardroom takeover event also connected girls from across the region to discuss how to overcome biases and obstacles to gender empowerment and inspire them to take the lead.

We are strongly committed to supporting and empowering women in leadership positions across our AstraZeneca African Cluster

Colleen Ratseane, a young female Entrepreneur who participated in the Orange Corners Programme in South Africa,  shared her career journey with the participants. The day also included visits with key AstraZeneca stakeholders, networking with AstraZeneca team members and participation in team brainstorming workshops.

Barbara Nel, Country President for African Cluster (South Africa, Sub-Sahara and French Speaking Africa) says: “We are strongly committed to supporting and empowering women in leadership positions across our AstraZeneca African Cluster. The Girls Belong Here initiative is part of this commitment, promoting girls’ visibility, driving new opportunities and investing in girls from across Africa to step into the shoes of various leaders in a mass takeover. Connecting across geographical borders the girls have an opportunity to share their perspective on why female representation is important in business and healthcare and what we as business leaders should know about the challenges young leaders face so that we can empower them to overcome these.”

Gender is a key determinant of health, and gender inequality leads to health risks for women and girls. The influence of society, culture or tradition can influence and impact health choices, health-seeking behaviours and health outcomes for women and girls. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing barriers; measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 have forced young women out of school, many of whom may never return to the classroom. Creating education and employment opportunities, like the #GirlsBelongHere takeovers, can lead to positive health outcomes for girls and young women.

Barbara Nel added, “It starts with inspiring young girls to have confidence in themselves, dream big and speak up and in showing them that Girls Belong Here. A big thank you to our partners for joining forces with us across African Cluster to ensure we bring about positive change. Together we can make a difference.”