In a landmark move, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has launched a pioneering gender strategy for the Nigerian Mining and Steel sectors. This innovative initiative aims to promote diversity, empower women, and enhance the overall sustainability of the mining sector.
At a dual launch event, which also introduced the Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy, Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized the administration’s commitment to gender equity and female participation. He stressed that promoting gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that will drive innovation and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development.
Dr. Alake acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector, highlighting their talents, expertise, and perspectives as crucial for industry growth. He reflected on past biases and inequalities, affirming the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women through its roadmap initiative.
The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy firm, N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, to develop the gender strategy. The Minister issued a clarion call to action, stating objectives firmly rooted in equality, diversity, and empowerment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities.
The National President of WIMIN, represented by the National Secretary, Mrs. Emily Ofodile, described the launch as a beacon of hope and a platform for collective action and solidarity towards meaningful change. Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, urged industry players to remain steadfast in implementing the gender strategy effectively, ensuring an equitable and inclusive mining sector.
Engineer Sellim Salam, Project Coordinator of MinDiver, underscored the importance of engaging a consultancy firm to conduct a gender study and develop a strategy to uplift women’s benefits and mainstream their participation in the sector. The unveiling ceremony featured a revealing presentation by N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, along with goodwill messages from various organizations, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment in the Nigerian mining and steel sectors.
This groundbreaking gender strategy marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector in Nigeria.
