The Federal Government has promised to establish policies that would economically empower women to compete favourably in governance.
The Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki gave the assurance in a statement by Eric Ojiekwe, Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday, Abuja.
Saraki spoke when she received the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen in the capital territory.
She thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari for finding women worthy of key appointments in the country.
She expressed optimism that the President would ascribe more responsibilities to women, taking into consideration feats achieved by them in fields of governance, science, private practice and businesses.
The minister advocated the prototype practiced in America whereby women were given a certain percentage of government contracts to empower them.
According to her, it is not only pertinent but the right thing to do as women do not only pay taxes but were professionals in all fields of endeavour.
“Lots of women and men inclusive do not know how to apply for contracts, and there was the need to provide enlightenment in that regard,’’ the minister said.
She urged the Tallen to create a gender desk in the Ministry of Women Affairs to tackle the issue.
However, the minister recalled that the celebration of women which was scheduled to take place in Beijing to mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Conference was disrupted by Coronavirus outbreak.
She said that March 26 to March 28 had been decided to mark the celebration of women in Nigeria, adding that it would be an honour to have Saraki in attendance.
She said that the celebration would provide an avenue to galvanize and address women and girl-child issues while proffering the way forward.
She urged women to support their female colleagues, adding that they should not forget to give back to the society through empowerment schemes.
Tallen called on the women to use their positions to support the girl child who was particularly vulnerable in the society.
The minister was accompanied on the courtesy call by various directors within her ministry and also the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ). (NAN)
