Tinubu Pledges Protection for Women Against Violence and Discrimination

• President Bola Tinubu pledged to protect Nigerian women from violence and discrimination, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive policies and access to justice
• At the “Empower-Her” event, Tinubu highlighted women’s challenges, including limited education and healthcare access, urging support for their empowerment and equality

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to protect Nigerian women from violence and discrimination, promising to ensure they have access to justice through gender-sensitive policies.

Speaking on Tuesday at the “Empower-Her – Nigeria for Women” event at the Presidential Villa, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality.

He highlighted the pressing issues women face, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as gender-based violence.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Tinubu stated, “We must ensure women have access to justice and are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination.

This requires strengthening our institutions, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and supporting rural women’s organizations.”

In his keynote speech, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), revealed that 78% of the bank’s loans are directed toward empowering women, recognizing their crucial role in society.

He emphasized that women drive sustainable development and economic growth. UBA has also introduced SME loan products tailored for women-led businesses.

Elumelu, represented by UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, highlighted the bank’s commitment to gender equality, noting that close to 50% of its board members, 40% of senior management, and 59% of its graduate trainees are women.

The event, themed “Farming to Feed the Nation, Empowerment to Give Women Voices, Justice for Crimes to Have Consequences via Mobile Court,” was described as a “beacon of hope” for women’s holistic empowerment in Nigeria. Elumelu pledged UBA’s support for the federal government’s efforts, emphasizing that “when women thrive, societies prosper.”