The Commonwealth Business Women (CBW) Africa says it is seeking collaboration with the federal ministry of women affairs to promote women’s economic empowerment and participation in governance.

This contained in a statement signed by the continental president of CBW, Ngozi Oyewole, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja.

Mrs Oyewole, during a courtesy visit to the minister of women affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said that the visit formed part of her strategic engagement with policy makers and stakeholders.

This, she said, was to strengthen institutional collaboration.

“It is also to align our initiatives with the Ministry’s national priorities and the Nigeria First policy; ensuring that Nigerian women-owned enterprises are positioned at the forefront of public procurement, industrial growth, and value-chain development.

“In addition, to explore structured pathways for scaling women-led businesses from micro and SME levels into corporate supply chains, government contracting ecosystems, and export-ready enterprises.

“More so, to advocate for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms that measure real impact, not just participation numbers. 

“Representation without economic power is incomplete,” she said.

She said women must be adequately equipped and integrated into national development planning in tangible ways.

She commended Suleiman-Ibrahim for prioritising women’s economic empowerment.

Mrs Oyewole, who is also the vice chairman, Governing Council of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), said discussions also focused on capacity building, certification readiness, financial access, digital inclusion and governance structures.

“Most importantly, it was about one clear conviction: when Nigerian women rise, Nigeria rises.

“We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry to deliver structured, scalable, and sustainable impact for women across the nation,” Mrs Oyewole said.

In her remarks, Mrs Suleiman-Ibrahim said the ministry remained committed to women’s economic empowerment through institutional support and skills acquisition.

She welcomed strategic partnerships aimed at transforming the lives of women across the country.

The engagement, she said, also focused on strengthening cross-border collaboration and expanding market access for Nigerian women entrepreneurs.

The meeting discussed preparations for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the UN headquarters in New York from March 11 to March 19.

Mrs Oyewole was accompanied by Omotola Omole of the Association of Nigerian Women Business Network and Sarah Areo, coordinator of the Abuja chapter of CBW Africa. 

(NAN)