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WIMBIZ: Outlook for gender parity in Nigeria appears bleak
For Africa to secure the economic dividend that comes from empowering its women, it needs to do more, that's according to a new report by the Women in Management and Business and Public Service, WIMBIZ. The report concludes that gender balance across African economies will result in a ramp up in productivity, shrinkage in the unemployment gap, and deeper policy direction & impact. Chinwe Egwim, Economist & Executive Council Member at WIMBIZ joins CNBC Africa for more.
Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:16:08 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The pressing issue of gender inequality in Nigeria highlighted in the report on gender parity emphasizes the need for increased political will and policy interventions to bridge the gender gap.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing gender disparities in Nigeria, particularly affecting women in the informal sector and the services industry.
- The shift to virtual platforms during the pandemic has exposed digital gender divides and raised concerns about online harassment and safety for women and girls.
The report on gender parity in Nigeria has highlighted the pressing issue of gender inequality in the country, indicating that achieving gender balance is crucial for economic development. Chinwe Egwim, Economist & Executive Council Member at Women in Management and Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), discussed the findings of the report in an interview with CNBC Africa. The report emphasizes the need for increased political will to address gender disparities and implement policies that promote gender equality. Despite some progress in recent years, Nigeria still lags behind other African nations in terms of gender representation in positions of power and leadership. It is evident that more needs to be done to bridge the gender gap and create a more inclusive and equitable society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing gender inequalities, particularly in the workforce. Women, who are heavily involved in the informal sector, have been disproportionately affected by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Many women have had to withdraw from the workforce due to job losses and reduced economic opportunities. The services industry, which is a significant source of employment for women, has also been severely impacted. Measures taken to curb the spread of the virus have disrupted economic activities and led to income loss for many women in this sector. Additionally, the shift to virtual platforms as a result of the pandemic has highlighted digital gender divides, with women facing challenges in accessing technology and online opportunities. The increase in online classes and virtual interactions has also raised concerns about online harassment and safety for women and girls. Moving forward, it is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize gender parity initiatives and implement targeted interventions to support women's economic empowerment and social inclusion. By closing the gender gap and promoting gender equality, Nigeria can unlock its full economic potential and drive sustainable development. As the country navigates the challenges posed by the pandemic, addressing gender disparities should be a key priority to ensure a more resilient and equitable society for all.
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