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Advancing Women in Nigeria   
March 9, 2006—Today, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world and the third largest number of HIV infections. Against this backdrop, the government of Nigeria officially recognized International Women’s Day for the first time in three years to bring critical attention to women’s status. CEDPA/Nigeria joined the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs at a March 9 high-level gathering to highlight concerns of Nigerian women. Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke to the assembly, pledging to appoint more women into government positions to ensure “transparency and accountability” in governance. The event included a skill-building session for state commissioners of women’s affairs. The Nigerian government also held a March 7 ceremony to extend micro-credit to women’s organizations through its Women Fund for Economic Empowerment. CEDPA is a leader for women’s health, development and rights in Nigeria. It is a founding member of the Donor Coordination Group on Gender, which provides a forum for sharing information and coordinating action for gender equality in Nigeria. Other partners include the United Nations Population Fund, Save the Children, the British Council, ActionAID International and others. The Donor Coordination Group launched www.gendernigeria.org on International Women’s Day, a new Web site that highlights facts and statistics on Nigerian women. Learn more about CEDPA’s work in Nigeria. |
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