Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for stronger global support to advance women’s economic empowerment, describing it as a crucial pathway to reducing poverty, achieving equity, and fostering lasting peace.
She made the call in New York during an economic empowerment forum held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The event brought together women political leaders, economic experts, industry giants, innovators, diplomats, and policymakers under the theme “Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment: Financing Inclusive Growth for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.”
Mahmoud expressed delight that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritised gender inclusion, youth development, and entrepreneurship. She reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where women can access finance, skills, and markets to contribute fully to national development.
“This gathering underscores the truth that gender equality is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and financing inclusive growth is a responsibility we must all shoulder. By placing women at the centre of economic development, we invest in the transformation of families, communities, and nations,” she said.
The Minister commended the organisers for providing a platform where ideas, policies, and strategies converge to accelerate progress on women’s empowerment, describing the forum as both “timely and pivotal” in the global pursuit of inclusive growth, sustainable peace, and the promotion of human rights.
The forum served as a platform for stakeholders across sectors to chart actionable strategies that position women’s empowerment as a driver of peace and sustainable development.
