UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon has called the economic empowerment of women a “global imperative” for realising the sustainable development goals.
The UN’s high level panel for women’s financial independence has been running for almost a year, aiming to draw attention to the challenges faced by the most disadvantaged women, including discriminatory laws and the characteristics of informal work that limit opportunities.
A 2015 report from McKinsey found that if women in every country were to play an equal role to men up to $28trn would be added to the global economy by 2025.
In Nigeria in particular, the need to accelerate opportunities for women is more important than ever. Though it is Africa’s largest economy, the country slipped into recession in August for the first time in a decade. It is one of the most unequal countries in the world: more than 80 million people (64% of the population) are living below the poverty line.
So what support can be offered to women to help Nigeria in its time of crisis, and accelerate the economy? How can we create greater equality and business opportunities in the country when most women are concentrated in casual, low-skilled work earning less than half that of men? And, President Muhammadu Buhari has been quoted as saying his wife “belongs in [his] kitchen” (and not in politics), so where does that leave the role of women in Nigeria?
Join an expert panel on Thursday 3 November, 2-3.30pm GMT, to discuss these questions and more.
The panel
Shade Ladipo, executive diretor, WEConnect International, Lagos, Nigeria @shadeladipo
Shade is a travel and media entrepreneur and social activist. At the age of 25 she founded Avienti Limited – a destination management company. She has worked with the UN Volunteers Nigeria and has been nominated for the Future Awards Africa, among others.
Noella Moshi, programmes lead, WAVE Academies, Lagos, Nigeria @NoellaMo, @waveacademies
Noella leads expansion at West Africa Vocational Education, to train and connect more young people to entry level jobs.
Adanma Abalunam, project manager on the Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3) programme, Adam Smith International, Abuja, Nigeria
Adanma works with project teams to identify ways in which social equity can be enhanced through business environment reform, with particular emphasis on access to finance for female entrepreneurs.
Gbenga Sesan, executive director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria @gbengasesan
Gbenga is executive director at Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, a social enterprise working on digital inclusion/digital rights
More to be announced ...
The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via globaldevpros@theguardian.com or @GuardianGDP on Twitter to recommend someone for our expert panel. Follow the discussion using the hashtag #globaldevlive.
