By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has challenged the Federal Government to take stronger and more deliberate steps to close the gender gap by expanding economic opportunities for Nigerian women.
The media organisation called for improved access to finance, education, entrepreneurship support and leadership opportunities, particularly for women at the grassroots and in low-income communities.
GOMEP-NG said Nigeria’s economic development could receive a significant boost if women were given the resources and institutional support required to participate fully in business, governance and national development.
In a statement, the organisation urged the government to strengthen funding mechanisms for women-owned businesses and create more opportunities for women to access government programmes, partnerships and enterprise support.
The group also encouraged Nigerian women to become more proactive by developing viable business proposals and presenting them to relevant ministries, departments and agencies in search of funding, partnerships and other forms of institutional assistance.
‘Women Must Be Given Room to Rise’
GOMEP-NG stressed that increasing women’s participation in the economy and governance requires more than policy statements.
It said deliberate measures must be introduced to tackle the structural, financial and cultural barriers that continue to prevent many women from reaching their full potential.
According to the organisation, although women have historically played significant roles in supporting families and communities, social expectations should not prevent those who desire and are capable of economic participation from pursuing businesses, careers and leadership positions.
The group maintained that women should have the freedom and opportunity to establish businesses, secure employment, access finance and contribute to decision-making processes.
Call to Men: Support Women’s Advancement
GOMEP-NG also appealed to men to become active partners in promoting women’s advancement.
The organisation urged men to create room for competent and ambitious women to participate, contribute and lead in areas where they possess the skills and capacity to make a difference.
It further called on policymakers to introduce and expand funding schemes specifically targeted at women-owned businesses, with particular attention to women operating in underserved and low-income communities.
According to the media group, such interventions would help reduce existing inequalities while unlocking the economic potential of millions of Nigerian women.
«“Women are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are active contributors to the growth and prosperity of the nation,” GOMEP-NG said.»
Why Women’s Economic Empowerment Matters
The organisation said empowering women should be viewed not simply as a gender issue but as an important part of Nigeria’s broader economic strategy.
It called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to ensure women have equitable access to finance, enterprise opportunities, education, employment and leadership positions.
GOMEP-NG maintained that Nigeria’s economic ambitions would be easier to achieve when women are equipped with the resources, opportunities and institutional backing needed to participate fully in economic and political life.
The organisation therefore called for a broader national commitment to removing the barriers confronting Nigerian women, particularly those at the grassroots.
It said empowering women could produce a multiplier effect that benefits not only individual women, but also their families, communities and the Nigerian economy as a whole.
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