Redefining the Nigerian Workplace: Unveiling the National Workplace Gender Policy

As part of efforts to chart a course towards equality and inclusion, The Federal Government of Nigeria is making strides with the National Workplace Gender Policy. This is through a joint collaboration of the Federal Ministries of Labour & Employment and Women Affairs in conjunction with other government agencies and esteemed partners such as Oxfam, Poise Nigeria and Center for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development who led the drafting of the policy document reviewed and validated on Tuesday 19th September 2023 in the Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. 

At a macro level, the workplace policy aims to improve national productivity and economic growth while at organizational level, it aims for an increased performance that harnesses talents and stimulates innovations that lead to prosperity for the Nigerian people while eliminating workplace gender-based violence. In her keynote address, Mrs Juliana Adebambo representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted that the National Workplace Gender policy addresses pertinent issues aimed at reducing the labour disparities between men and women in order to ignite their potentials for nation-building. She also expressed delight at the strides being recorded in terms of policy formulation starting with the revision of National Gender Policy in 2021 and now layering that achievement with this current initiative.

Mrs Juliana Adebambo speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The Country Director of Oxfam, Tijjani Hamza Ahmed underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling gender issues because doing so is to acknowledge that it is neither a men nor women issue but rather a human rights issue and a call for social justice. In his words, “Inclusive gender workplaces are not merely an aspiration but a fundamental imperative”. Gender expert and Lead consultant, Prof. Olabisi Aina, skillfully unpacked the policy's intricate layers. She reiterated that true strength lies in the unity of diverse perspectives and talents. Thus, the policy underlines the importance of equal opportunities and equitable workplace conditions for all, reinforcing the idea that two halves make a whole.

Tijjani Hamza Ahmed, Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, and Prof. Olabisi Aina, Gender expert and Lead Consultant.

The Voice supported Gender Justice Community of Practice was represented at this event by Olawunmi Okupe, Rosemary Adejoh-Adaji and Kaseina Dashe who lent their voices to the review and validation of the National Workplace Gender Policy - a national roadmap to a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable Nigerian workplace which will in turn forge a brighter future for all citizens.

The Gender Justice Community of Practice: Rosemary Adejoh-Adaji, Kaseina Dashe and Olawunmi Okupe