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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government has identified key priority ways that women entrepreneurs/women in industry could be empowered and encouraged to achieve remarkable success in their various areas of interest.
The suggestions were highlighted by Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, at an event to commemorate the International Day of Women in Industry in Abuja, on the theme “Women Shaping the Future of Industry”.
She explained that the International Day of Women in Industry” was proclaimed during the UNIDO General Conference held in November 2025, and it reflects the global recognition that women’s participation, leadership, and innovation are indispensable to inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
“It commemorates the entry into force of UNIDO’s first Gender Policy on 21 April 2009, reaffirming the Organization’s long standing commitment to gender equality as a strategic driver of industrial transformation,” she said.
She said the International Day serves three important purposes: to celebrate women’s contributions to industry; to acknowledge progress while confronting persistent gender gaps; and to mobilize partnerships and concrete action for inclusive industrial growth.
“The event was also dedicated to recognizing and advancing women’s contributions to industrial development, acknowledging the critical role women play in industrial development,” she said.
Dr. Abubakar insisted that gender equality is a strategic driver of economic growth and innovation, stressing that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to lead inclusive industrial transformation, but multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential to unlocking women’s full potential, and investing in women in industry benefits entire economies and societies.
She said the system must strengthen gender-responsive policies that would promote equal opportunities in industrial development, and this includes integrating gender considerations into national industrial policies and regulatory frameworks.
She highlighted the importance of access to finance and markets, stressing that innovative financing mechanisms must be developed to support women-led enterprises, particularly in manufacturing and industrial value chains.
On skills development and capacity building, she stressed that investing in education and technical training especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and industrial skills is critical to preparing women for the future of work
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She also highlighted the importance of technology and innovation inclusion. “Bridging the digital divide is essential. Women must have equal access to emerging technologies that are shaping modern .industry.
She said that partnerships and collaboration is also very crucial. “No single institution can achieve this alone. Strong partnerships between government, private
sector, development partners, and civil society are crucial,” she said.
She said the Federal Ministry of Environment, alongside other relevant ministries and
stakeholders, remains committed to promoting environmentally sustainable and
gender-inclusive industrial development.
The Director-General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr.Gerd Muller, said the day wss an opportunity to raise global awareness and celebrate the contributions of women to industrial development and promotes a more inclusive and equitable future for industry worldwide.
He explained that the day was proclaimed through a landmark resolution adopted by the UNIDO General Conference during the Global Industry Summit 2025 in Riyadh, reflecting a renewed global commitment to advancing women’s
He confirmed that the 2026 marks the inaugural celebration, emphasizing women’s critical impact on competitiveness, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and green transitions.
UNIDO, however, noted that across many industrial sectors, women remain underrepresented, especially in higher-technology manufacturing, digital and green technologies, and leadership roles. “Barriers such as unequal access to industrial skills, technology, finance, and professional networks continue to limit opportunities.
“Closing these gaps is not only a question of fairness, it is a strategic imperative. Industries and economies that fully harness the talent of their entire workforce are more productive, innovative and resilient. Ensuring that women can equally participate in and lead industrial transformation is essential to the achievement of sustainable development,” he said.
