ministry of science & technology
DESCRIPTION
Ministerial PlatformTRANSCRIPT
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A Presentation at the Ministerial Platform
in commemoration of
National Democracy Day&
, MFR, FCIA
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ON MONDAY, MAY 14, 2012
by
The past year has been quite remarkable in our efforts to bringto the fore, issues relating to the advancement of women,children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerablemembers of the society, in order to create awareness and helpto bring accelerated development in all spheres of their livesusing effective strategies.
In line with the Present Administration’s bold commitment tomaking Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies in the world bythe Year 2020, and the attainment of the MillenniumDevelopment Goals by 2015 through the TransformationAgenda, the Ministry has made modest contributions towardsattaining the overall goals of national development.
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No doubt, women, children,persons with disabilities, theelderly together with othervulnerable groups under themandate of my Ministry,constitute about 70 per centof the nation’s populationand obviously, no nation canaspire to attain itsdevelopment goals if thetrain leaves the largerproportion of its populationbehind.
General Overview
others
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70 % of NationsPopulation
This realization has informed the strategies we have adopted in the past year to create more opportunities for our women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Picture Caption: Hon.Minister of Women Affairs& Social Development,Hajiya Zainab Maina at thepresentation of aids toPersons With Disabilities onthe occasion of theCelebration of the 2011International Day ofPersons With Disabilities incollaboration with the MTNFoundation.
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General Overview F
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70 % of NationsPopulation
Our Vision is to have a Nigerian society that guarantees equal access to social, economic and wealth creation opportunities to all, irrespective of gender; and one that places premium on the protection of the Child, the Aged and Persons with Disabilities, while focusing attention on key operators in both Private and Public Sectors on mainstreaming the concerns of these groups of people in national development process.
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70 % of NationsPopulation
Our Mission is to serve as the National vehicle to bring about speedy and healthy development of Nigerian women, children, the socially disadvantaged and physically challenged; and the mainstreaming of their rights and privileges in national development process.
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Guided by President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and selfless commitment to the entrenchment of Affirmative Action in all facets of national life, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development wishes toplace on record the following achievements over the past year:
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Entrenchment of Affirmative Action
The first significant achievement of theAdministration was the entrenchment of 35%Affirmative Action through the appointment of13 female Ministers out of 42, representing33.3%, and 4 Special Advisers out of 18,representing 22%.
Certainly, these appointments, which weremade by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathanalmost immediately after his assumption ofoffice about 12 months ago, set the stage forthe attainment of the Millennium DevelopmentGoals (MDGs) target number three on GenderEquity and Women Empowerment, which alsolaid a solid foundation for transforming Nigeriainto one of the top 20 economies of the worldby the year 2020. 9
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AdvocacyAs most of you are very much aware, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a programme-oriented Ministry, whose main thrust is in formulating Policies and Programmes that are being implemented by all tiers of government as well as other stakeholders on issues which represent our regional and global commitments to the welfare, advancement and development of Children, Women, Persons With Disabilities and the Elderly.
For us to succeed in this endeavour, we have adoptedappropriate and workable strategies to mobilize, sensitizeand educate various stakeholders to appreciate thedynamics of change, progress and development.
Within the period under review therefore, we adoptedmulti-faceted Advocacy Strategies towards establishingcollaborative mechanisms and synergy with ourstakeholders at various levels, as follows: 10
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i) State AdvocacyThe first strategy we adopted was to embark on Advocacy Visits to the States of the Federation, where we engaged the State Executive, the Legislature, Traditional Rulers, Non-Governmental Organizations and Community-Based Organizations, to seek for legal and administrative reforms and policies on the advancement of women, children and other vulnerable members of the society.
In addition to establishing partnership with the State Governments, we also visited and distributed aids, appliances and relief materials to Women and Children Hospitals, Children Homes, Old People’s Homes, VVF Centres and Persons With Disabilities. We also met and interacted with our mandate groups with a view to identifying their peculiar problems as the first step towards finding solutions to them. Within the period, we visited Adamawa, Jigawa and Kano States. 11
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(L-R) The Director General, National Centre for Women Development, HajiyaFatima Betara, Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nyako and the Director Women in the Women Affairs Ministry,
Mrs. Esther Adeyemi during an Advocacy Visit to Adamawa State.
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Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina(R), presenting an Advocacy Material to the Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim during an Advocacy Visit to Adamawa State.
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Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina with Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Ado Bayero during the Ministers Advocacy Visit to
Kano State.
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At this juncture, I am very pleasedto acknowledge the positiveresponses of the StateGovernments we have visited so far,as all of them have already startedfree anti-natal and post-natal carefor pregnant women and childrenbelow the ages of 5, in an effort tocontribute to the reduction ofMaternal and Child Mortality. Theyhave also started executing positivePolicies, Programmes and Projectson women, children and PersonsWith Disabilities. There is now arenewed vigour across the Stateson increased participation ofwomen in governance and decisionmaking process.
The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, HajiyaZainab Maina with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa during the Minister’s Advocacy Visit to the state.
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ii) Advocacy to MDAsAnother important aspect of our sensitization project is thecommencement of high-level Advocacy Visits at the Federal level toMinistries, Departments and Agencies, all in an effort to ensure multi-faceted approaches to holistically tackling the various challenges, andproblems confronting our mandate groups.
The aim is to mainstreamgender in public life andeven more significantly,to engender budgetingpolicies at the Federallevel. As a result of thisrevolutionary initiative,Gender Focal Persons arenow strategicallypositioned in allMinistries, Departmentsand Agencies.
Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the Ministry of Labour on Advocacy. With her is the Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu
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Picture shows the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumiand the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina who was on an Advocacy Visit to his Ministry.
Similarly, sectoral allocations that address gender concerns are now being witnessed in the implementation of policies and programmes across Ministries.
As a result of our Advocacy Visit to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Labour Saving Farming equipment/implements for Women Farmers will soon be introduced while capital support will be provided to Women Farmers Cooperatives and Groups, in an effort to enhance their productions and increase farm output.
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In the same vein, our Advocacy to the FederalMinister of Health has resulted in new partnershipin the areas of Maternal and Child Mortality, Controland Treatment of Breast and Cervical Cancers,HIV/AIDS and Malaria control. Popularizing the useof primary healthcare facilities in the rural areas willalso be intensified henceforth.
Picture Caption:Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina(R), presenting an Advocacy Material toThe Minister of Health Prof. OnyebuchiChukwu
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In addition, our visit to Inspector General of Police last month has resulted into partnership in addressing rampant cases of Rape, Violence against Women, Prostitution, Hawking by Children and Trafficking. Similarly, more Gender Desks will soon be established in Police Stations across the country to specifically handle such related cases.
This is after the Desk Officers undergo specialized training programme to equip them in handling such cases properly.
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The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Mainaduring her advocacy visit to the Force Headquarters Abuja. With her is the Ag. IGPMr. M.D Abubakar and the immediate past Permanent Secretary in the Ministry,
Mrs. Elizabeth Emuren.
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iii) Policy Dialogue with Development Partners
Another advocacy strategy we adopted was the introduction of a Consultative Meeting and Policy Dialogue with our Development Partners with a view to soliciting for improved support and funding. The idea here was to re-kindle their interest in the new policy direction of the present Administration along the path of national transformation. This has been rewarding as these partners have identified with us in different areas.
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iv) Forum of Female Ministers and Special Advisers to the President
This strategy was in a bid to scale-up response on Affirmative Action, Gender-mainstreaming and Gender-focused Budgeting and take-off of Gender Units in the MDAs.
The objective of creating the forum is to further provide Nigerian women in governance and politics with a platform upon which they could meet and share ideas, compare notes on their experiences in governance and strategize properly in meeting the challenges of mainstreaming gender issues in national development.
Expectedly, the Forum has added value to mainstreaming gender in governance and ensure the success of the Transformation Agenda in the sector.
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Pictures show the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, HajiyaZainab Maina with other female Ministers as well as Special Advisers at the
maiden Policy Dialogue meeting of Female Ministers in August, 2011.
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The Ministry undertakes the coordination of all activities that relate to the advancement of women and their active participation in national development, as well as ensures overall gender mainstreaming in all aspects of public life.
It promotes policy formulation and programmeimplementation aimed at integrating women into all sectors of development in order to achieve government’s targets and intentions.
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To achieve the set goals, the Ministry works in close collaboration with Women Desk Officers in line Ministries and Agencies, Women Non-Governmental Organizations and Cooperative Groups, United Nations, Civil Society Groups, Legislatures and International Development Agencies.
Picture Caption:Minister of Women Affairs And Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina(Left), with the UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Grace Ongile, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
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i) Establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres
Skills Acquisition Centres were initiated across the Federation for theEconomic Empowerment of women in line with the Provisions of theTransformation Agenda of the Current Administration. When completedthe activities of these centres will reduce unemployment at thegrassroots; reduce social vices; increase income generation through jobcreation for women. It will also assist in reducing youths restiveness,especially at the grassroots.
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Some of these Centres have already been completed andare currently being equipped with various training facilities,including ICT, and will soon be commissioned. Indeed, it isexpected that all the 77 Skills Acquisition Centres embarkedupon by the Ministry will be completed and commissionedthis year.
Pictures show one of the completed Skills Acquisition Centres equipped with various machines
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Women’s Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE)
The Women’s Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE) was initiated by the Ministry as a funding window to provide group credit facility to women cooperatives in the rural areas.
The scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) jointly signed between the Ministry and the Bank.
The scheme was meant to assist and empower Women inAgriculture to overcome constraints posed by routine methodsof accessing credit from conventional banks.
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WOFEE, represents an assured source of credit for women’ssmall and micro enterprises in Nigeria through the variouscooperatives. The credit facility is a Revolving Loan Schemethrough which more than 5,000 Women have benefittedfrom the Scheme across the country.
This Scheme has doubled the employment capacity ofbeneficiaries. A total sum of N261 million was invested inthis programme.
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The Business Development Fund for Women (BUDFOW) wasestablished by the Ministry as another funding window toprovide credit facility to women entrepreneurs. The schemeis managed in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI)following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) jointlysigned by the Ministry and the Bank.
The scheme is established with the aim of providing financialand technical support to the numerous Nigerian WomenEntrepreneurs who have prospects for business developmentand growth, but were limited by fund arising from lack ofaccess to credit facilities from financial institutions,essentially due to gender insensitive procedures andrequirement.
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Within the period under review, a total sum of N82M (Eighty Two Million Naira) only was disbursed to 37 women entrepreneurs projects across the 6 Geo-political zones of the federation. We are currently reviewing the implementation strategies of the scheme, with a view to making it easily accessible to more women entrepreneurs engaged in various economic productive ventures.
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Establishment of Cottage Industries
In an effort to support women engaged in the processing of farm produce, Cottage Industries were established in Abia, Ekiti,Cross River, Delta and Sokoto States, based on specialized areas of production and availability of raw materials.
Support to Women in Distress
The Ministry has given assistance to less privileged women and those in difficult situation by procuring and distributing skills acquisition/economic empowerment equipment to enable them improve their economic ventures. Some of the equipment distributed within the period include sewing machines, Embroidery machines, Hair Wash Sink/Basins, hair Dryers, Deep Freezers, Grinding Machines, Generators, etc to empower over 720 women/groups.
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Grassroots Economic Empowerment Scheme (GEES)
Within the period under review, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, for the takeoff of a National Grassroots Economic Empowerment Scheme, as part of effort to reduce poverty and unemployment in the country, especially for the rural women. When operational, the Fund will provide adequate resources for Social development programmes and projects at the grassroots. Already, a Technical Team with membership from NCDF and the Ministry is currently working towards the timely takeoff of the Fund.
Pic Caption:The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya ZainabMaina and the Director General of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi
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Sequel to my Advocacy Visit to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in August 2011, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Women in Agribusiness was constituted with the thrust of mainstreaming gender in the agricultural sector.
This was as a result of gender inequality which substantiallylimits women’s access to, and control of the use of servicesand productive resources. Women face numerous challengeswithin the agricultural sector inspite of their over 70%contributions to subsistence farming and food processing inthe country. These include lack of capital, inadequate femalefarm extension workers, limited access to market, storagefacilities, access to appropriate technologies and productiveassets, and low participation in decision making.
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In the interim, Women in Agribusiness will soon enjoy accessto Microfinance through the activities of NIRSAL. In addition,arrangements are being made for the local production ofwomen-friendly farming implements and processingmachines to enhance productions, save time and attendanthardships involved in the present cumbersome methods offood processing by women.
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Reduction of Maternal Mortality and Child MorbidityIn recognition of the strategic role of the Ministry in the area of Women Development and Child Welfare, we complementednational efforts towards the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the country.
Cross section of fully-kitted Ambulances for the Emergency Ambulance Intervention Scheme
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Consequently, in addition to the high level sensitization carriedout on all our Advocacy Visits, the Ministry initiated the EmergencyAmbulance Intervention Scheme, through the procurement anddistribution of a total number of 112 fully-kitted Ambulances to the36 states and FCT, including the provision of essential supplies suchas Anti-Shock Garments, Mama Kits, and Magnesium Sulphate, aswell as building the capacities of health workers across the country.
This is in addition to the procurement of 3 Boat Ambulances forAkwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to assist the Riverine States inreferral services in the hinterlands. The remaining riverine areas willbe provided for, before the year runs out.
It is hoped that this intervention will enhance access to qualitymaternal and child health, especially through effective referrallinkages between, rural communities, Primary Health Centres andthe General Hospitals through the use of the Ambulances.
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The 3 Boat Ambulances for Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to assist the Riverine States in referral services in the hinterlands.
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1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National TransformationIn consideration of the current security challenges in the country, coupled with the strategic role of women in building bridges of peace, the Office of the First Lady, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Akwa Ibom State Government, organized the 1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation tagged “Ibom 2012”, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in February 2012.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Mainabriefing the media on the forthcoming First National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation held in Abuja
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The Retreat was convened as an alternative peace building mechanism to effectively utilize existing and prospective gender based structures to build national consensus for the strengthening of the socio-cultural bond that sustained Nigeria since the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914.
(L-R) First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Akpabio and Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the 1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation tagged “Ibom 2012” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in February 2012. 40
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With the theme “Galvanizing, Empowering and Energizing Women as Change Agents for National Transformation, Peace and Development: A Win-Win Option” the Retreat challenged the Federal Government to tackle issues of gender inequality in the country with a view to giving voice to women in the society and enhancing their contribution to good governance.
In the same vein, the women demanded that machinery be put in place to ensure the domestication of relevant international and regional conventions and protocols that would uphold the rights of women in Nigeria, even as they called on elected female legislators to take pro-active steps to ensure the passage of gender responsive bills in the National Assembly.
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Federal, State and Local Governments should strategicallymobilize women leaders in public and private sectors forpeace, security and national development. Participants atthe workshop included female Federal and StateLegislators, Wives of Governors, serving and formerfemale Ministers and State Commissioners, the organizedPrivate Sector, Academia, Development Partners, NGOs,CBOs and the Media.
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VVF (Vesico Vaginal Fistula) Prevalence
Another disturbing health issue affecting the wellbeing and development of young girls is VVF in parts of the country. VVF causes a woman to lose control of her bladder, leaving her to be treated as an outcast by her family and community. Victims of that condition are generally less than 20 years old and regrettably there are at least over four million cases in Nigeria, with Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Akwa-Ibom states as the worst hit by the prevalence.
Disturbed by this unhealthy development, my Ministry and that of Health, stepped up efforts to support the efforts of various State Governments in tackling the challenges being posed by the prevalence. While the Federal Ministry of Health is redoubling its efforts in the training of specialized
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health personnel and the provision of other medicaments, my Ministry is contributing its quota by way of supporting the victims with economic empowerment so that they can live a meaningful life.
Within the period under review, the Ministry purchased and distributed Skills Acquisition Equipment to VVF Rehabilitation Centres in Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara States. These include Irrigation Pumping machines, Grinding machines, Sewing Machines, Commercial Phone Booth Accessories, Clothing and other materials necessary for training and commercial activities.
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Establishment of Gender Units in All Federal MDAs
In an effort to entrench gender perspectives in national life and fast-track the attainment of the MDGs Target 3 and Vision 20:2020, the Federal Executive Council approved for the establishment of Gender Units in all MDAs, and the appointment of the Directorate Cadre to head such units.
To ensure the full takeoff of this important aspect of gender mainstreaming, which is expected to ensure the reflection of gender perspectives in budget system of all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as incorporate gender components in National Accounting System, we are currently liaising with the Office of the Head of Service and the Federal Civil Service Commission, for the creation of relevant Cadre.
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Nigerian Women Trust Fund
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund, the first of its kind in Africa, is aspecial fund designed to boost women’s political participation inNigeria. In response to the low representation of women inpolitics, the Ministry set up a Trust Fund to give access toresources for women in Nigeria towards achieving a minimum35% representation of women in public life.
The Fund is an independent registered company Limited byGuarantee in 2011. It was endorsed by a resolution of the FederalExecutive Council (FEC) and was launched in 2011.
An important land mark in establishing the fund was its launching,which is clearly a move from “talk” to “action” in the drive toreshape the political history of Nigerian Women.
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Cross section of women at the launching of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund
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Domestication of CEDAW
The Ministry in its effort towards domestication of the UNConvention on the Elimination of All forms of DiscriminationAgainst Women (CEDAW), [an international instrument forthe protection of women’s rights], forwarded the EqualOpportunities Bill to the National Assembly for passage intolaw, which was stood down.
Recently however, efforts have been stepped up throughseries of meetings with stakeholders with a view to map outstrategies on the re-introduction of the Bill and its successfulpassage. Also, the Ministry is supporting Nigeria’scandidature on the UN Committee on CEDAW.
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Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence
Within the period under review, the Ministry commenced full services at the Kurudu Centre for Female Victims of Domestic Violence in the FCT. The place has been fully refurbished and adequate facilities put in place to ensure maximum usage.
In addition, Professional Counseling Staff have been deployed while the Utility Vehicle has been rehabilitated to ensure timely movement of victims to hospitals and Police Stations. Also adequate training facilities on income-generating activities have been provided to ensure that the inmates are trained to become self- reliant. Presently, an NGO is assisting the Ministry in supervising the Shelter, which has received some assistance from UNFPA.
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Child Development
Children aged zero to eighteen constitute more than half of the total population in Nigeria. The sheer numbers (more than 75 million) coupled with the fact that they represent the future of this great country implies that concerted efforts by all, especially government, is needed to ensure their survival, growth and proper development.
The Ministry is responsible for providing an enabling environment for the total wellbeing and development of Nigerian children and the realization of their full potentials through policy formulation, advocacy, protection, coordination and monitoring.
This is within the context of relevant national and international instruments and commitments to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the MDGs and the Child Rights’ Act.
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It can be recalled that Nigeria ratified the U.N Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC), and in 2003 domesticated the Child Rights’ Act at the federal level.
So far, Twenty-Three States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have passed the Law, even as advocacy and social mobilization is on-going in the remaining thirteen States.
The States that have passed the Child Rights’ Act(CRA) 2003 are: Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Ekiti, Abia, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, Delta and Oyo.
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Launch of Database for Vulnerable Children
The Ministry launched a National Database for Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (known as the National OVC Management Information System, NOMIS) in July 2011, which was supported by some Development Partners like USAID and GHAIN.
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Commissioning of the National Database for Vulnerable Children in Nigeria, NOMIS in July 2011, supported by USAID and developed by GHAIN.
It was necessitated by the need to have credible data for effective national response to challenges facing Vulnerable Children in the country.
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Nigeria Children’s Parliament
Nigeria Children’s Parliament wasintroduced as a platform wherechildren between the ages of 10 - 18years could express themselves onissues affecting their welfare. TheParliament is also a medium ofinformation flow between the children,policy makers and programmeimplementers. It is a fulfillment ofNigeria’s obligation as contained in theChild Rights’ Act. In November 2011,the Ministry conducted the electionand inauguration of principal officers ofthe Fifth National Children’s Parliamentthat will lead the voices of Nigerianchildren towards participatorytransformation of our country.
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Nigerian Children’s Forum on Subsidy
The Ministry, in collaboration withthe Federal Ministry of Information,coordinated the Children’s Forum onFuel Subsidy that was held in Abuja,in January 2012 where members ofthe Children’s Parliament and schoolchildren expressed their views on theremoval of fuel subsidy. Whileappealing to Nigerians for peacefulresolution of the issues, the childrencanvassed for peaceful nationalco-existence that will guarantee theirfuture as leaders of tomorrow.
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Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Centres
As part of National response on OVC in Nigeria, the Ministry established two (2) OVC centres in Calabarand Makurdi to coordinate all activities on OVC, provide psychosocial support, shelter and medical services to OVC in South South and North Central zones.
These Centres have been completed and handed over to the two state governments in December 2011 for immediate take-off.
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Child Development under Global Fund
Under the Global Fund Round 5 and 9 Support Programme, the Ministry is currently training a total of Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty Four (9,354) children in the areas of education, health and providing support in the areas of psychosocial, food and nutrition.
In September 2011, educational materials were distributed and school levies paid for the vulnerable children on the project. In addition, Three Hundred and Twenty Nine thousand (329,000) vulnerable children are currently receiving support under USAID-PERFAR OVC programmes.
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REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
In an effort to achieve its mandate on the rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the Ministry plans programmes, policies and actions in line with United Nations Convention on the welfare and development of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
During the period under review, the following achievements were recorded:
(i). Provision of aids and appliances, including resettlement and working tools to individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation institutions in all parts of the country.
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(ii). Empowerment of twenty (20) NGOs from the six Geo-Political Zones to train PWDs at the grassroots and equip them with working tools for economic self-reliance.
(iii). 100 participants from the North-East Geo-Political Zone were trained in Skills Acquisition Programmes, and empoweredto engage in various economic activities that would improve their standards of living.
(iv) Establishment of partnership with the MTN Foundation, under Public Private Partnership (PPP), which resulted in the recent provision of support and empowerment to Persons With Disabilities by the Foundation;
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v. As a result of proactive Advocacy Campaigns by theMinistry, the Nigeria Disability Bill (2010) was harmonized bythe two chambers of the National Assembly, and is expectedto be signed into law any moment from now.
vi. The Ministry has established Braille Presses/Libraries atAwka, Anambra State, Maiduguri, Borno State, Bauchi, BauchiState, Calabar, Cross River State, Surulere, Lagos State andKaduna, Kaduna State. This is aimed at improving the qualityof Education available to the visually impaired persons inNigeria;
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vii. Also within the last twelve months, the Ministry hassuccessfully relocated the Nigeria Farmcraft Centre for theBlind (NFCB) from its temporary site at Nigeria Air Force (NAF)Base, Ikeja to its permanent site at Isheri-Olofin, Lagos inAugust, 2011. Recently, the Centre successfully trained andempowered 120 Blind Adults from all over the country intrades like farming, fishing, poultry keeping, craftwork ofvarious kinds, Braille reading and writing.
viii. The Ministry has redoubled efforts to promote andarticulate the concept of Community-Based Rehabilitation(CBR) as a strategy in which the Community, the Family,Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) are involved in the training, rehabilitation andintegrations of Persons With Disabilities into the mainstreamof society;
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ix. Recently, we conducted a BaselineSurvey of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)in Nigeria. This was aimed at putting intoscientific terms the needs, placement andlocations of Persons With Disabilities inNigeria for effective and efficient planning.The Ministry successfully organized astakeholders’ forum in January, 2012 thatvalidated the document and endorseddissemination and advocacy on theoutcome of the Survey;
x. Another important programme beingundertaken within the period under reviewis the ongoing National Baseline Survey ofChildren With Disabilities (CWDs) inNigeria by the Ministry in collaborationwith UNICEF. The objective is to fill thedata gap on CWDs in Nigeria, provide dataon demographic distribution and assesscauses of disabilities; 62
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xi. The Ministry is also collaborating with the Ministries ofHealth and Education to address the issue of Autistic Childrenin the country as a special vulnerable group. This was furtherdemonstrated last month during the celebration of the 2012World Autism Day, during which time the three Ministriesresolved to work together towards addressing the issue.
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International Partnership
The Ministry established partnership with the PolishGovernment on International Cooperation and CulturalExchange for the empowerment of Nigerian Women andprovide succor to displaced Nigerian Families, families indistress; Persons With Disabilities and Other VulnerableGroups in the country.
The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina and the Polish Amb. to Nigeria
The Hon. Minister with herNigerien counterpart Minister,Dr. Maikibi Dandobi at theNigeria House, New-York,during the 56thSpecial Sessionof the Commission on theStatus of Women at theUnited Nations.
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SOCIAL WELFARE
The Ministry is committed to the provision of an integratedsystem of Social Welfare services and capacity building thatfacilitates human development and wellbeing.
These Social Welfare Services include the protection ofvulnerable groups through the provision of material, financialand therapeutic support as well as the provision of alternativecare to the Poor, the Destitute, Disadvantaged Groups,Ex-Offenders, the Elderly, Families in Distress and needyindividuals.
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Training Workshop for Social Workers in CorrectionalInstitutions
The Ministry organized a Training Workshop for sixty (60)Social Workers in Correctional Institutions in Nigeria inOctober, 2011 in Minna, Niger State.
The purpose was to equip Social Workers in CorrectionalInstitutions with new knowledge, skills and techniques toenable them improve service delivery to the JuvenileOffenders under their care.
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The Federal School of Social WorkEmene, Enugu State
Within the period, the Ministryconducted the 2011/2012 Admissioninto the Federal School of SocialWork, Emene, Enugu State inNovember 2011. About One Hundredand Eight (108) candidates from 14States sat for the entranceexamination and are expected to jointhe institution for various trainingprogrammes that will lead to theaward of certificates and diplomas.
Within the period, the Ministryconducted Convocation Ceremony for478 graduants for the 2007 – 2010sets in December, 2011.
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Distribution of Aids and Appliances to Elder Persons
The Ministry, in continuation with our Community Based Carefor the Older Persons in the country, distributed Mobility Aidsand Appliances as well as other relief materials to Old People’sHomes, and Old Peoples’-focused NGOs in the South-East,South-South, South West and North Central zones of thecountry between March and April, 2012.
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Nigeria Gender Statistics Book
The Ministry recognized the dearth of data on women,children and Persons with Disabilities issues as one of theinhibiting factors affecting proper planning and projectdevelopment for that sector. Currently, we have embarked onthe collection and collation of all relevant data at all levels,towards the publication of the 3rd edition of the NationalGender Statistics book for the country. It is being updated toincorporate relevant data on women, children and otherVulnerable Groups in the society.
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National Council on Women and Social Development
The National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development was re-engineered, especially within the period, to facilitate the defense of the rights of the Nigerian Women, children and other vulnerable groups at the National, State and Local Government levels.
L-R Wife of Ekiti StateGov. Mrs. Bisi Fayemi,Hon. Minister of WomenAffairs & Social Dev.,Hajiya Zainab Maina,& Ekiti Deputy Governor,Mrs. Funmi Olayinkaat the 14th Regular Meeting of the NationalCouncil on Women Affairs & Social Development held in Ado-Ekiti in Feb., 2012 70
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This body which comprises the Honourable Minister of WomenAffairs, State Commissioners of Women Affairs and the FCT Directorin charge of Women Affairs, constitutes the highest policy-makingbody in the sector. Also in attendance at these meetings werePermanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Women, Childrenand Social Welfare programmes at the Federal and State Ministries.The 14th Edition of the Council was held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State inFebruary 2012.
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT
The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is the only Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and proudly the only one of its kind in the African continent.
It is charged with the responsibility of stimulating consciousness towards the attainment of higher levels of development and activity for Nigerian Women. 71
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It serves as a data bank on women and development in Nigeria. TheCentre facilitates the formulation of policies as well as providestraining in skills development and income generating activities. Italso provides forum for guidance and counseling and themobilization of women in both urban and rural areas towardsproductive economic ventures. In addition, it liaises with National,Regional and International agencies involved in Genderdevelopment programmes.
Under the one year tenure of the present Administration, theCentre has been able to record the following achievements:
Activation of Women Development Centres Nationwide
The Centre has set in motion, the continuation of Phase II of NCWD/JICA Women Development Centres Activation Project. This phase of the project has a life span of 4 years and will be executed in 6 States with One (1) State from each of the 6 Geo-Political Zones (2011-2015).
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To date, the Centre, in collaboration with JICA has already conducted Baseline Surveys in the selected States. In addition, relevant Instructors and Management Personnel of the affected Centres as well as Technical Teams from the affected States have been trained to ensure standards and uniformity. This is in addition to the provision of office furniture and Vocational Training Equipment.
National Gender Data Bank (NGDB)
The need for accurate Gender Disaggregated Data for equitable governance and effective gender planning in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized, especially in the light of the various global and national policies around gender equality and the need to access timely, reliable and accurate data.
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The National Gender Data Bank (NGDB) hosted by theNational Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is adatabase of all available gender statistics in Nigeria. The Bankserves as an important tool for promoting and monitoringprogress towards gender equality and contributes to thenational quest for equitable and sustainable development.
Within the period under review, the NGDB Project is currentlycollating Sex-disaggregated data on Elective and AppointivePositions in Nigeria from 1999 till date. So far, work is inprogress in 20 States.
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Human Capital DevelopmentWorking to realize the goals of the National Gender Policy, customized Gender Trainings have been introduced in the Centre to cover 12 Critical Areas of the Beijing Platform for Action. The first of such series for newly appointed Commissioners for Women Affairs was held in Abuja last month.
The Centre has also introduced a Young Persons Finishing School Programme to provide an opportunity for female young school leavers.
Within the reviewed period, the Centre has graduated over400 trainees in Interior & Exterior Decoration, Fashion &Cosmetology; Hospitality & Tourism. It has also upgraded itsVocational Skills Courses in line with NBTE Guidelines.
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Even more significantly, the Centre has successfully commenced the first set of the 2-year Diploma programmeapproved by the National Board for Technical Education.
Similarly, arrangements have been concluded with the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to commence Masters Degree programme in Gender and Peace Building this year, in collaboration with the Centre.
In addition, the University of Abuja, in collaboration with the Centre, will graduate the first set of students of gender studies this year.
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Information & Technology Centre (ITC)
In line with the Transformation Agenda and the mandate of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), ITC Training Programme is involved with activities and programs that promote human capital development through training, capacity building and motivation. Within the period under review the department recorded the following:
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ICT Training
ICT Training of approximately 65 people in Computer Appreciation and Office Productivity during the period in review. In addition, eighty four (84) visually impaired persons benefited from the computer training, free of charge, out of which seven (7) of them are lawyers who work with the Federal Ministry of Justice.
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Also within the same period, the Centre commenced training on National Board for Technical Education accredited programmes on:
National Innovation Diploma in Computer Hardware Engineering Technology
National Innovation Diploma in Computer Software Engineering Technology; and
National Vocational Certificate in Computer Studies.
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CONCLUSION
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot end thispresentation without expressing our sincere gratitude to theindividuals and institutions that have provided a solid platformof support for us.
I wish to express our deep appreciation to His Excellency thePresident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck EbeleJonathan for the excellent support he has given and continueto give on all issues relating to the advancement of women,children and other vulnerable groups in the society.
But we must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Motherof the Nation, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan for making it all happen forWomen – Her Excellency has indeed been very instrumental tothe present improved status of Women in Nigeria.
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Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I hasten to state that none of the achievements of the Ministry that I have spelt out in this Address would have been possible without the co-operation and support of the Media. We remain eternally grateful for your ready support and forbearance at all times, even as we look forward to a continued cordial relationship.
I thank all stakeholders for your partnership as we make efforts to improve the lives of the generality of our citizenry by empowering women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and creating better conditions that would enable our children live more fulfilled lives.
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