A call has gone to all states and Local Government Areas across Nigeria to domesticate and implement the revised 2021-2026 National Gender Policy for equitable distribution of the nation’s resources.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Monilola Udoh, made the call in Abuja at a Dissemination and Sensitisation Workshop on the 2021-2026 revised National Gender Policy.

The ultimate purpose of the 2021 National Gender Policy, according to Mrs. Monilola, is to develop a just society in which women, girls, boys, men, and other vulnerable groups have equal opportunities, rights, and obligations in all aspects of life.

“The strategic objectives of the revised NGP are to bridge gender and social inclusion gaps and achieve parity in all spheres of life, protect women’s human rights and mitigate sexual and gender- based violence through appropriate buffers and related services.” She said

The Executive Director, Center for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development and Lead of the 2006 Gender Policy, Prof. Olabisi Aina, stressed the need to mainstream gender equity in all sectors across the states.

“Unless we get all the processes right, we will not make it in terms of development and this is the reason why the gender policy must be domesticated across all the states in the federation.”

Ms Patience Ekeoba, National Program Officer, UN Women, asked all development partners to continue to support the policy’s evaluation, dissemination, and implementation at all levels.

The representatives of state Ministries of women Affairs promised to domesticate and see to the implementation of the revised National gender policy in their various states as a tool to encourage the principles of inclusion.