Lagos – The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the Women’s Optimum Development Foundation (WODEF) held an interactive forum on ‘Investing in Women and Girls’ in Lagos today, to commemorate  this year’s International Women’s Day.

The event, which was a part of activities to mark the 31st anniversary of International Women’s Day, brought together representatives of government, key private sector players, leaders of NGOs and the media in Lagos, including Mrs. Shade Jaji Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Yemi Wilde Corporate Affairs Manager of ECO Bank Plc, Mrs Awagu Elizabeth of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC).  Other special guests were Mrs Nkiru Igbokwe of UNIFEM, Mrs Edua Dafe, Women’s Board Lagos and Dr. Rosey Nwafor of UNESCO Abuja.

Participants took a critical look at the core issues affecting women and girls in the Millennium Development Goals and how best to invest strategically in the development of this disadvantaged population in Nigeria. They also looked at what works in seeking to mobilise support and resources from the government, corporate/private organisations, international or donor agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders towards actualising and sustaining the principles of gender equality, non-discrimination and women empowerment.

The UNIC Director, Mr Tetsuo Ohno, read the special message of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, while good will messages were also given by Mrs Jaji, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Wilde of ECO Bank Plc, Mrs Awagu of NAFDAC.  

It was agreed at the end the dialogue that stakeholders should intensify efforts to expand the public space for advocacy, networking and fund raising to create more awareness and encourage investment in the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria.