The National Population Commission (NPC) has drummed support for women’s empowerment and gender equality as provided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

NPC executive chairman Nasir Kwarra made the call while declaring open a workshop on gender analysis of the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Mararaba, Nasarawa, on Wednesday.

“Women’s equality and empowerment are one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs recognise that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world,” stated Mr Kwarra.

The NPC boss stated that quality data from surveys conducted by the commission would provide important context to the dimensions of women’s empowerment.

He added that “the data, including in the areas of education, earnings, health and fertility decisions, is generally useful for planning and monitoring Nigeria’s progress toward the SDG targets.”

The NPC boss explained that the reports to be developed in the workshop would ensure that NPC contributes useful information to the issue of gender equality.

He commended the Planning and Research Department for the effort, encouraging them to continue driving the process of generating data necessary for women’s empowerment.

(NAN)