Our Progress | UN Women Transparency Portal

Affirmative action policy and legislative frameworks and measures (Federal and State level) adopted and/or implemented in Nigeria, to promote gender balance in political leadership and decision making positions.

Mainstreamed gender in the constitutional review process by deploying a gender and constitutional reform expert who served as the only female in a team of 20 technical consultants who supported the senate constitutional review. Reviewed discriminatory provisions in the constitution and made recommendations for addressing such. Supported in the development of the 5 major gender bills in the constitution review process. Historically on February 4-5, 2022, members of the Constitution Review Committee adopted gender bills to increase women’s political process. That was the first time in the history of constitution review in Nigeria, that such gender proposals passed the committee stage. Sustained efforts to pass the gender and equal opportunities bill to address gender inequalities in Nigeria. Reviewed contentions in the GEOB to strengthen chances of its passage and mobilized religious and traditional leaders to validate the revised version.

outcome XM-DAC-41146-NGA_D_1.2

A cadre of diverse and capable women leaders is established in Nigeria

A national dialogue of women leaders of 18 political parties in Nigeria held in June 2022 during which a common agenda to support women in politics irrespective of the political parties was agreed on. A national conference titled " Womasnifesto" organized by colaition of national CSOs working on women political empowerment suported by UN Women aimed at ensuring that diverse andf capable women leaders established and actively participate in the 2023 general elections and beyond. 250 young women in Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Plateau capacity enhanced on political leadership skills and inspired to join political parties of their choices.A network of young women in politics established, and now serves as a platform for peer learning, advocacy and mobilization of other young women to be politically active by joining political parties

outcome XM-DAC-41146-NGA_D_1.3

Women are promoted as leaders in gender-sensitive (Federal and State) legislative, political and governance institutions in Nigeria.

Mainstreamed gender in the constitutional review process by deploying a gender and constitutional reform expert who served as the only female in a team of 20 technical consultants who supported the senate constitutional review. Reviewed discriminatory provisions in the constitution and made recommendations for addressing such. Supported in the development of the 5 major gender bills in the constitution review process. Historically on February 4-5, 2022, members of the Constitution Review Committee adopted gender bills to increase women’s political process. That was the first time in the history of constitution review in Nigeria, that such gender proposals passed the committee stage. Sustained efforts to pass the gender and equal opportunities bill to address gender inequalities in Nigeria. Reviewed contentions in the GEOB to strengthen chances of its passage and mobilized religious and traditional leaders to validate the revised version. First class traditional rulers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria signed a communique committing to advocate for increased women’s political participation and preventing violence against women in politics. Media executives in Nigeria made a commitment to balanced and positive reporting on women in politics and provide visibility for women candidates. Renowned media organizations have showcased profiles of women candidates on front pages of newspapers and on prime TV programs. Media executives meet quarterly to brainstorm and assess progress on advancing GEWE. Security agencies working on election security gained skills and developed strategies for mitigating gender-based violence against women in elections and politics. A working group on women’s political participation established to enhance coordination and collaboration among partners towards advocating for increased women’s political participation and representation. Galvanized action by the working group to mobilize over 200 women’s groups, and other stakeholders to submit unified memorandum proposing affirmative action amendments to the Constitution review process and participated in all geopolitical public hearings. 250 young women in Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Plateau trained on political leadership skills and inspired to join political parties of their choices.A network of young women in politics established, and now serves as a platform for peer learning, advocacy and mobilization of other young women to be politically active by joining political parties Sustained intergenerational mentorship for young women in politics.

outcome XM-DAC-41146-NGA_D_2.1

Affirmative procurement policy, legislative and/or other enabling measures in place by 2022, to provide new opportunities for high-impact growth for women-owned businesses (WOBs) in Nigeria

UN Women has engaged both public procurement agencies in Lagos and Kaduna State with two strategic proposals. First, the possibility of having an executive order signed by the Chief Executive of the respective state governments to provide procurement quotas for women owned businesses. Secondly, UN Women is already in advanced stages with both procurement agencies to reform their existing policy guidelines and regulations, to make them more gender responsive and include mandatory "set asides" that provide enhanced opportunities for women owned businesses.

outcome XM-DAC-41146-NGA_D_2.2

WOBs in Nigeria, have increased capacities (business and financial management and in ICTs) and access to information to benefit from procurement (public and private) opportunities, by 2022

UN Women supported product rebranding and repackaging for women MSMEs. one of the issues identified through assessment of product was the poor product packaging and branding of products produced by majority of women entrepreneurs. Most product lack standard labels and business identities. Producers of liquid soap and sanitizers presented their products in water bottles. In view of the gap identified in product branding and packaging, UN Women engaged a brand expert to assess products of women entrepreneurs and provide professional advice on the best way to package and brand the products to meet global market standard. New brand identifies (business logos) and labels were created for the 63 women entrepreneurs. UN Women also committed to providing proper packaging bottles for producers of liquid soaps and sanitizers as majority were selling in bottles not meant for other purposes. Women Entrepreneurs have been selected to receive production inputs and materials for the production of lab coats, hospital scrub, liquid soap and hand sanitizers in large quantities. Items procured for distribution to women producers of PPEs includes 130 yards of Gabardine cotton fabric for medical scrubs and lab coats, chemicals for the production of hand sanitizers as well as alcohol meter for measuring the quantity of alcohol during the production of hand sanitizers among other materials. It is expected that the materials will be able to produce up to 20 dozen of products when utilized. This is to ensure that products are readily available to meet institutional procurement opportunities. The Honorable Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen was on ground to symbolize the official flag off for distribution of procured materials in Abuja. It is worthy to note that UN Women Nigeria has set out to ensure an increase in the number of women vendors in its procurement platform, UN Women recently awarded a contract of about 40,000 USD to a woman owned entrepreneur. Also 25 women entrepreneurs have been registered on UN Women procurement platform as the first step towards benefiting from any procurement opportunities at UN Women.