The Center for Gender Economics Initiative (CGE Africa), a research, advocacy, and advisory non-governmental organization, has called on state and federal governments to back their policy statements with concrete actions, ensuring the fulfillment of promises across gender lines.
Speaking during a training workshop for 30 officials from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Cross River State, the Executive Director of CGE Africa, Uchenna Idoko, emphasized the need for economic equality through inclusive projects that address the needs of all genders. The event was held in Calabar on Wednesday.
Idoko urged governments at all levels to implement gender-sensitive policies and fulfil their promises, stating, “You can’t tell women that your government will provide gender equality and then renege on those promises. When policy statements and commitments are adequately funded, it aids in the prevention and mitigation of sexual and gender-based violence.”
She further advocated for the integration of gender considerations into the budgetary processes of MDAs, noting, “There is no budget that is gender neutral. Cross River State should mainstream gender into the numbers by asking the right questions to uncover how budgets impact different genders. They should inquire who the budget benefits, address discrimination against female workers, and ensure support for issues like maternity leave and the treatment of female inmates in correctional centres.”
Idoko asserted that gender-responsive budgeting could play a pivotal role in preventing and mitigating sexual and gender-based violence. “We urge governments to employ a comprehensive approach in resource allocation based on the unique needs of all genders, fostering an equitable society,” she added.
She highlighted CGE Africa’s mission of advancing economic equality, stating, “Our goal is to see both genders equally represented in resource distribution, leading to an egalitarian society. We engage policymakers, executives, and communities to create innovative solutions for achieving economic equality, promoting work opportunities, and ensuring financial security for women.”
The executive director expressed optimism that the insights from the workshop would lead to positive changes in Cross River State, emphasizing, “When MDAs begin to align their budgets along gender lines, we expect to see the emergence of success stories that reflect a more inclusive approach.”
