MInistry of Science & Technology

A Presentation at the Ministerial Platform in commemoration of

National Democracy Day &

F E D E R A & L S M O I C N I I A S L T R D Y E V O E F L O W P O M M E E N N T A F F A I R S

by , MFR, FCIA HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON MONDAY, MAY 14, 2012

The past year has been quite remarkable in our efforts to bring to the fore, issues relating to the advancement of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the society, in order to create awareness and help to bring accelerated development in all spheres of their lives using effective strategies.

In line with the Present Administration’s bold commitment to making Nigeria one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the Year 2020, and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 through the Transformation Agenda, the Ministry has made modest contributions towards attaining the overall goals of national development. •

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General Overview

No doubt, women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly together with other vulnerable groups under the mandate of my Ministry, constitute about 70 per cent of the nation’s population and obviously, no nation can aspire to attain its development goals if the train leaves the larger proportion of its population behind.

others

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This realization has informed the strategies we have adopted in the past year to create more opportunities for our women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Picture Caption: Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the presentation of aids to Persons With Disabilities on the occasion of the Celebration of the 2011 International Day of Persons With Disabilities in collaboration with the MTN Foundation.

General Overview

70 % of Nations Population

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Our Vision is to have a Nigerian society that guarantees equal access to social, economic and wealth creation opportunities to all, irrespective of gender; and one that places premium on the protection of the Child, the Aged and Persons with Disabilities, while focusing attention on key operators in both Private and Public Sectors on mainstreaming the concerns of these groups of people in national development process.

70 % of Nations Population

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Our Mission is to serve as the National vehicle to bring about speedy and healthy development of Nigerian women, children, the socially disadvantaged and physically challenged; and the mainstreaming of their rights and privileges in national development process.

70 % of Nations Population

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Guided by President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and selfless commitment to the entrenchment of Affirmative Action in all facets of national life, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development wishes to place on record the following achievements over the past year:

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Entrenchment of Affirmative Action The first significant achievement of the Administration was the entrenchment of 35% Affirmative Action through the appointment of 13 female Ministers out of 42, representing 33.3%, and 4 Special Advisers out of 18, representing 22%.

Certainly, these appointments, which were made by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan almost immediately after his assumption of office about 12 months ago, set the stage for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target number three on Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, which also laid a solid foundation for transforming Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies of the world by the year 2020.

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Advocacy As most of you are very much aware, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a programmeoriented Ministry, whose main thrust is in formulating Policies and Programmes that are being implemented by all tiers of government as well as other stakeholders on issues which represent our regional and global commitments to the welfare, advancement and development of Children, Women, Persons With Disabilities and the Elderly.

For us to succeed in this endeavour, we have adopted appropriate and workable strategies to mobilize, sensitize and educate various stakeholders to appreciate the dynamics of change, progress and development.

Within the period under review therefore, we adopted multi-faceted Advocacy Strategies towards establishing collaborative mechanisms and synergy with our stakeholders at various levels, as follows:

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i) State Advocacy The first strategy we adopted was to embark on Advocacy Visits to the States of the Federation, where we engaged the State Executive, the Legislature, Traditional Rulers, NonGovernmental Organizations and Community-Based Organizations, to seek for legal and administrative reforms and policies on the advancement of women, children and other vulnerable members of the society.

In addition to establishing partnership with the State Governments, we also visited and distributed aids, appliances and relief materials to Women and Children Hospitals, Children Homes, Old People’s Homes, VVF Centres and Persons With Disabilities. We also met and interacted with our mandate groups with a view to identifying their peculiar problems as the first step towards finding solutions to them. Within the period, we visited Adamawa, Jigawa and Kano States.

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(L-R) The Director General, National Centre for Women Development, Hajiya Fatima Betara, Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nyako and the Director Women in the Women Affairs Ministry, Mrs. Esther Adeyemi during an Advocacy Visit to Adamawa State.

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Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina (R), presenting an Advocacy Material to the Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim during an Advocacy Visit to Adamawa State.

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Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina with Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Ado Bayero during the Ministers Advocacy Visit to Kano State.

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At this juncture, I am very pleased to acknowledge the positive responses of the State Governments we have visited so far, as all of them have already started free anti-natal and post-natal care for pregnant women and children below the ages of 5, in an effort to contribute to the reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality. They have also started executing positive Policies, Programmes and Projects on women, children and Persons With Disabilities. There is now a renewed vigour across the States on increased participation of women in governance and decision making process.

The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa during the Minister’s Advocacy Visit to the state.

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ii) Advocacy to MDAs Another important aspect of our sensitization project is the commencement of high-level Advocacy Visits at the Federal level to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, all in an effort to ensure multifaceted approaches to holistically tackling the various challenges, and problems confronting our mandate groups.

The aim is to mainstream gender in public life and even more significantly, to engender budgeting policies at the Federal level. As a result of this revolutionary initiative, Gender Focal Persons are now strategically positioned in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

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Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the Ministry of Labour on Advocacy.

With her is the Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu

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Similarly, sectoral allocations that address gender concerns are now being witnessed in the implementation of policies and programmes across Ministries.

As a result of our Advocacy Visit to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Labour Saving Farming equipment/implements for Women Farmers will soon be introduced while capital support will be provided to Women Farmers Cooperatives and Groups, in an effort to enhance their productions and increase farm output.

Picture shows the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi and the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina who was on an Advocacy Visit to his Ministry.

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In the same vein, our Advocacy to the Federal Minister of Health has resulted in new partnership in the areas of Maternal and Child Mortality, Control and Treatment of Breast and Cervical Cancers, HIV/AIDS and Malaria control. Popularizing the use of primary healthcare facilities in the rural areas will also be intensified henceforth.

Picture Caption: Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina (R), presenting an Advocacy Material to The Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

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In addition, our visit to Inspector General of Police last month has resulted into partnership in addressing rampant cases of Rape, Violence against Women, Prostitution, Hawking by Children and Trafficking. Similarly, more Gender Desks will soon be established in Police Stations across the country to specifically handle such related cases.

This is after the Desk Officers undergo specialized training programme to equip them in handling such cases properly.

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The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina during her advocacy visit to the Force Headquarters Abuja. With her is the Ag. IGP Mr. M.D Abubakar and the immediate past Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Elizabeth Emuren.

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iii)

Policy Dialogue with Development Partners

Another advocacy strategy we adopted was the introduction of a Consultative Meeting and Policy Dialogue with our Development Partners with a view to soliciting for improved support and funding. The idea here was to re-kindle their interest in the new policy direction of the present Administration along the path of national transformation.

This has been rewarding as these partners have identified with us in different areas.

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iv) Forum of Female Ministers and Special Advisers to the President This strategy was in a bid to scale-up response on Affirmative Action, Gender-mainstreaming and Gender-focused Budgeting and take-off of Gender Units in the MDAs. The objective of creating the forum is to further provide Nigerian women in governance and politics with a platform upon which they could meet and share ideas, compare notes on their experiences in governance and strategize properly in meeting the challenges of mainstreaming gender issues in national development.

Expectedly, the Forum has added value to mainstreaming gender in governance and ensure the success of the Transformation Agenda in the sector.

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Pictures show the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina with other female Ministers as well as Special Advisers at the maiden Policy Dialogue meeting of Female Ministers in August, 2011.

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The Ministry undertakes the coordination of all activities that relate to the advancement of women and their active participation in national development, as well as ensures overall gender mainstreaming in all aspects of public life.

It promotes policy formulation and programme implementation aimed at integrating women into all sectors of development in order to achieve government’s targets and intentions.

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To achieve the set goals, the Ministry works in close collaboration with Women Desk Officers in line Ministries and Agencies, Women Non-Governmental Organizations and Cooperative Groups, United Nations, Civil Society Groups, Legislatures and International Development Agencies.

Picture Caption: Minister of Women Affairs And Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina (Left), with the UN Women Country Representative, Dr. Grace Ongile, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.

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i) Establishment of Skills Acquisition Centres Skills Acquisition Centres were initiated across the Federation for the Economic Empowerment of women in line with the Provisions of the Transformation Agenda of the Current Administration. When completed the activities of these centres will reduce unemployment at the grassroots; reduce social vices; increase income generation through job creation for women. It will also assist in reducing youths restiveness, especially at the grassroots.

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Some of these Centres have already been completed and are currently being equipped with various training facilities, including ICT, and will soon be commissioned. Indeed, it is expected that all the 77 Skills Acquisition Centres embarked upon by the Ministry will be completed and commissioned this year.

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Pictures show one of the completed Skills Acquisition Centres equipped with various machines

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Women’s Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE) The Women’s Fund for Economic Empowerment (WOFEE) was initiated by the Ministry as a funding window to provide group credit facility to women cooperatives in the rural areas.

The scheme is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) jointly signed between the Ministry and the Bank.

The scheme was meant to assist and empower Women in Agriculture to overcome constraints posed by routine methods of accessing credit from conventional banks.

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WOFEE, represents an assured source of credit for women’s small and micro enterprises in Nigeria through the various cooperatives. The credit facility is a Revolving Loan Scheme through which more than 5,000 Women have benefitted from the Scheme across the country.

This Scheme has doubled the employment capacity of beneficiaries. A total sum of N261 million was invested in this programme.

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The Business Development Fund for Women (BUDFOW) was established by the Ministry as another funding window to provide credit facility to women entrepreneurs. The scheme is managed in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) jointly signed by the Ministry and the Bank.

The scheme is established with the aim of providing financial and technical support to the numerous Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs who have prospects for business development and growth, but were limited by fund arising from lack of access to credit facilities from financial institutions, essentially due to gender insensitive procedures and requirement.

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Within the period under review, a total sum of N82M (Eighty Two Million Naira) only was disbursed to 37 women entrepreneurs projects across the 6 Geo-political zones of the federation. We are currently reviewing the implementation strategies of the scheme, with a view to making it easily accessible to more women entrepreneurs engaged in various economic productive ventures.

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Establishment of Cottage Industries In an effort to support women engaged in the processing of farm produce, Cottage Industries were established in Abia, Ekiti,Cross River, Delta and Sokoto States, based on specialized areas of production and availability of raw materials.

Support to Women in Distress The Ministry has given assistance to less privileged women and those in difficult situation by procuring and distributing skills acquisition/economic empowerment equipment to enable them improve their economic ventures. Some of the equipment distributed within the period include sewing machines, Embroidery machines, Hair Wash Sink/Basins, hair Dryers, Deep Freezers, Grinding Machines, Generators, etc to empower over 720 women/groups.

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Grassroots Economic Empowerment Scheme (GEES) Within the period under review, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, for the takeoff of a National Grassroots Economic Empowerment Scheme, as part of effort to reduce poverty and unemployment in the country, especially for the rural women. When operational, the Fund will provide adequate resources for Social development programmes and projects at the grassroots. Already, a Technical Team with membership from NCDF and the Ministry is currently working towards the timely takeoff of the Fund.

Pic Caption: The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina and the Director General of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi

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Women in Agribusiness Sequel to my Advocacy Visit to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in August 2011, an InterMinisterial Committee on Women in Agribusiness was constituted with the thrust of mainstreaming gender in the agricultural sector.

This was as a result of gender inequality which substantially limits women’s access to, and control of the use of services and productive resources. Women face numerous challenges within the agricultural sector inspite of their over 70% contributions to subsistence farming and food processing in the country. These include lack of capital, inadequate female farm extension workers, limited access to market, storage facilities, access to appropriate technologies and productive assets, and low participation in decision making.

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In the interim, Women in Agribusiness will soon enjoy access to Microfinance through the activities of NIRSAL. In addition, arrangements are being made for the local production of women-friendly farming implements and processing machines to enhance productions, save time and attendant hardships involved in the present cumbersome methods of food processing by women.

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Reduction of Maternal Mortality and Child Morbidity In recognition of the strategic role of the Ministry in the area of Women Development and Child Welfare, we complemented national efforts towards the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the country.

Cross section of fully-kitted Ambulances for the Emergency Ambulance Intervention Scheme

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Consequently, in addition to the high level sensitization carried out on all our Advocacy Visits, the Ministry initiated the Emergency Ambulance Intervention Scheme, through the procurement and distribution of a total number of 112 fully-kitted Ambulances to the 36 states and FCT, including the provision of essential supplies such as Anti-Shock Garments, Mama Kits, and Magnesium Sulphate, as well as building the capacities of health workers across the country.

This is in addition to the procurement of 3 Boat Ambulances for Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to assist the Riverine States in referral services in the hinterlands. The remaining riverine areas will be provided for, before the year runs out.

It is hoped that this intervention will enhance access to quality maternal and child health, especially through effective referral linkages between, rural communities, Primary Health Centres and the General Hospitals through the use of the Ambulances.

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The 3 Boat Ambulances for Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers States to assist the Riverine States in referral services in the hinterlands.

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1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation In consideration of the current security challenges in the country, coupled with the strategic role of women in building bridges of peace, the Office of the First Lady, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Akwa Ibom State Government, organized the 1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation tagged “Ibom 2012�, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in February 2012.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina briefing the media on the forthcoming First National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation held in Abuja

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The Retreat was convened as an alternative peace building mechanism to effectively utilize existing and prospective gender based structures to build national consensus for the strengthening of the socio-cultural bond that sustained Nigeria since the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914.

(L-R) First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Akpabio and Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina at the 1st National Retreat on Women Development, Peace and National Transformation tagged “Ibom 2012� in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in February 2012.

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With the theme “Galvanizing, Empowering and Energizing Women as Change Agents for National Transformation, Peace and Development: A Win-Win Option� the Retreat challenged the Federal Government to tackle issues of gender inequality in the country with a view to giving voice to women in the society and enhancing their contribution to good governance.

In the same vein, the women demanded that machinery be put in place to ensure the domestication of relevant international and regional conventions and protocols that would uphold the rights of women in Nigeria, even as they called on elected female legislators to take pro-active steps to ensure the passage of gender responsive bills in the National Assembly.

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Federal, State and Local Governments should strategically mobilize women leaders in public and private sectors for peace, security and national development. Participants at the workshop included female Federal and State Legislators, Wives of Governors, serving and former female Ministers and State Commissioners, the organized Private Sector, Academia, Development Partners, NGOs, CBOs and the Media.

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VVF (Vesico Vaginal Fistula) Prevalence Another disturbing health issue affecting the wellbeing and development of young girls is VVF in parts of the country.

VVF causes a woman to lose control of her bladder, leaving her to be treated as an outcast by her family and community.

Victims of that condition are generally less than 20 years old and regrettably there are at least over four million cases in Nigeria, with Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Akwa-Ibom states as the worst hit by the prevalence.

Disturbed by this unhealthy development, my Ministry and that of Health, stepped up efforts to support the efforts of various State Governments in tackling the challenges being posed by the prevalence. While the Federal Ministry of Health is redoubling its efforts in the training of specialized

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health personnel and the provision of other medicaments, my Ministry is contributing its quota by way of supporting the victims with economic empowerment so that they can live a meaningful life.

Within the period under review, the Ministry purchased and distributed Skills Acquisition Equipment to VVF Rehabilitation Centres in Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara States. These include Irrigation Pumping machines, Grinding machines, Sewing Machines, Commercial Phone Booth Accessories, Clothing and other materials necessary for training and commercial activities.

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Establishment of Gender Units in All Federal MDAs In an effort to entrench gender perspectives in national life and fasttrack the attainment of the MDGs Target 3 and Vision 20:2020, the Federal Executive Council approved for the establishment of Gender Units in all MDAs, and the appointment of the Directorate Cadre to head such units.

To ensure the full takeoff of this important aspect of gender mainstreaming, which is expected to ensure the reflection of gender perspectives in budget system of all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as incorporate gender components in National Accounting System, we are currently liaising with the Office of the Head of Service and the Federal Civil Service Commission, for the creation of relevant Cadre.

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Nigerian Women Trust Fund The Nigerian Women Trust Fund, the first of its kind in Africa, is a special fund designed to boost women’s political participation in Nigeria. In response to the low representation of women in politics, the Ministry set up a Trust Fund to give access to resources for women in Nigeria towards achieving a minimum 35% representation of women in public life.

The Fund is an independent registered company Limited by Guarantee in 2011. It was endorsed by a resolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and was launched in 2011.

An important land mark in establishing the fund was its launching, which is clearly a move from “talk” to “action” in the drive to reshape the political history of Nigerian Women.

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Cross section of women at the launching of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund

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Domestication of CEDAW The Ministry in its effort towards domestication of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), [an international instrument for the protection of women’s rights], forwarded the Equal Opportunities Bill to the National Assembly for passage into law, which was stood down.

Recently however, efforts have been stepped up through series of meetings with stakeholders with a view to map out strategies on the re-introduction of the Bill and its successful passage. Also, the Ministry is supporting Nigeria’s candidature on the UN Committee on CEDAW.

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Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

Within the period under review, the Ministry commenced full services at the Kurudu Centre for Female Victims of Domestic Violence in the FCT. The place has been fully refurbished and adequate facilities put in place to ensure maximum usage.

In addition, Professional Counseling Staff have been deployed while the Utility Vehicle has been rehabilitated to ensure timely movement of victims to hospitals and Police Stations. Also adequate training facilities on incomegenerating activities have been provided to ensure that the inmates are trained to become self- reliant. Presently, an NGO is assisting the Ministry in supervising the Shelter, which has received some assistance from UNFPA.

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Child Development Children aged zero to eighteen constitute more than half of the total population in Nigeria. The sheer numbers (more than 75 million) coupled with the fact that they represent the future of this great country implies that concerted efforts by all, especially government, is needed to ensure their survival, growth and proper development.

The Ministry is responsible for providing an enabling environment for the total wellbeing and development of Nigerian children and the realization of their full potentials through policy formulation, advocacy, protection, coordination and monitoring.

This is within the context of relevant national and international instruments and commitments to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the MDGs and the Child Rights’ Act.

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It can be recalled that Nigeria ratified the U.N Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC), and in 2003 domesticated the Child Rights’ Act at the federal level.

So far, Twenty-Three States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have passed the Law, even as advocacy and social mobilization is ongoing in the remaining thirteen States.

The States that have passed the Child Rights’ Act(CRA) 2003 are: Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa, Ekiti, Abia, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, Delta and Oyo.

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Launch of Database for Vulnerable Children The Ministry launched a National Database for Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (known as the National OVC Management Information System, NOMIS) in July 2011, which was supported by some Development Partners like USAID and GHAIN.

Commissioning of the National Database for Vulnerable Children in Nigeria, NOMIS in July 2011, supported by USAID and developed by GHAIN.

It was necessitated by the need to have credible data for effective national response to challenges facing Vulnerable Children in the country.

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Nigeria Children’s Parliament Nigeria Children’s Parliament was introduced as a platform where children between the ages of 10 - 18 years could express themselves on issues affecting their welfare. The Parliament is also a medium of information flow between the children, policy makers and programme implementers. It is a fulfillment of Nigeria’s obligation as contained in the Child Rights’ Act. In November 2011, the Ministry conducted the election and inauguration of principal officers of the Fifth National Children’s Parliament that will lead the voices of Nigerian children towards participatory transformation of our country.

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Nigerian Children’s Forum on Subsidy The Ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information, coordinated the Children’s Forum on Fuel Subsidy that was held in Abuja, in January 2012 where members of the Children’s Parliament and school children expressed their views on the removal of fuel subsidy. While appealing to Nigerians for peaceful resolution of the issues, the children canvassed for peaceful national co-existence that will guarantee their future as leaders of tomorrow.

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Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Centres As part of National response on OVC in Nigeria, the Ministry established two (2) OVC centres in Calabar and Makurdi to coordinate all activities on OVC, provide psychosocial support, shelter and medical services to OVC in South South and North Central zones.

These Centres have been completed and handed over to the two state governments in December 2011 for immediate take-off.

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Child Development under Global Fund Under the Global Fund Round 5 and 9 Support Programme, the Ministry is currently training a total of Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty Four (9,354) children in the areas of education, health and providing support in the areas of psychosocial, food and nutrition.

In September 2011, educational materials were distributed and school levies paid for the vulnerable children on the project. In addition, Three Hundred and Twenty Nine thousand (329,000) vulnerable children are currently receiving support under USAID-PERFAR OVC programmes.

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REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES In an effort to achieve its mandate on the rehabilitation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the Ministry plans programmes, policies and actions in line with United Nations Convention on the welfare and development of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

During the period under review, the following achievements were recorded: (i). Provision of aids and appliances, including resettlement and working tools to individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation institutions in all parts of the country.

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(ii). Empowerment of twenty (20) NGOs from the six GeoPolitical Zones to train PWDs at the grassroots and equip them with working tools for economic self-reliance. (iii). 100 participants from the North-East Geo-Political Zone were trained in Skills Acquisition Programmes, and empowered to engage in various economic activities that would improve their standards of living. (iv) Establishment of partnership with the MTN Foundation, under Public Private Partnership (PPP), which resulted in the recent provision of support and empowerment to Persons With Disabilities by the Foundation;

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v. As a result of proactive Advocacy Campaigns by the Ministry, the Nigeria Disability Bill (2010) was harmonized by the two chambers of the National Assembly, and is expected to be signed into law any moment from now. vi. The Ministry has established Braille Presses/Libraries at Awka, Anambra State, Maiduguri, Borno State, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Calabar, Cross River State, Surulere, Lagos State and Kaduna, Kaduna State. This is aimed at improving the quality of Education available to the visually impaired persons in Nigeria;

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vii. Also within the last twelve months, the Ministry has successfully relocated the Nigeria Farmcraft Centre for the Blind (NFCB) from its temporary site at Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Base, Ikeja to its permanent site at Isheri-Olofin, Lagos in August, 2011. Recently, the Centre successfully trained and empowered 120 Blind Adults from all over the country in trades like farming, fishing, poultry keeping, craftwork of various kinds, Braille reading and writing.

viii. The Ministry has redoubled efforts to promote and articulate the concept of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) as a strategy in which the Community, the Family, Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are involved in the training, rehabilitation and integrations of Persons With Disabilities into the mainstream of society;

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ix. Recently, we conducted a Baseline Survey of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This was aimed at putting into scientific terms the needs, placement and locations of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria for effective and efficient planning.

The Ministry successfully organized a stakeholders’ forum in January, 2012 that validated the document and endorsed dissemination and advocacy on the outcome of the Survey; x. Another important programme being undertaken within the period under review is the ongoing National Baseline Survey of Children With Disabilities (CWDs) in Nigeria by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. The objective is to fill the data gap on CWDs in Nigeria, provide data on demographic distribution and assess causes of disabilities;

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xi. The Ministry is also collaborating with the Ministries of Health and Education to address the issue of Autistic Children in the country as a special vulnerable group. This was further demonstrated last month during the celebration of the 2012 World Autism Day, during which time the three Ministries resolved to work together towards addressing the issue.

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International Partnership The Ministry established partnership with the Polish Government on International Cooperation and Cultural Exchange for the empowerment of Nigerian Women and provide succor to displaced Nigerian Families, families in distress; Persons With Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups in the country.

The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina and the Polish Amb. to Nigeria The Hon. Minister with her Nigerien counterpart Minister, Dr. Maikibi Dandobi at the Nigeria House, New-York, during the 56thSpecial Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

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SOCIAL WELFARE The Ministry is committed to the provision of an integrated system of Social Welfare services and capacity building that facilitates human development and wellbeing.

These Social Welfare Services include the protection of vulnerable groups through the provision of material, financial and therapeutic support as well as the provision of alternative care to the Poor, the Destitute, Disadvantaged Groups, Ex-Offenders, the Elderly, Families in Distress and needy individuals.

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Training Workshop for Social Workers in Correctional Institutions The Ministry organized a Training Workshop for sixty (60) Social Workers in Correctional Institutions in Nigeria in October, 2011 in Minna, Niger State.

The purpose was to equip Social Workers in Correctional Institutions with new knowledge, skills and techniques to enable them improve service delivery to the Juvenile Offenders under their care.

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The Federal School of Social Work Emene, Enugu State Within the period, the Ministry conducted the 2011/2012 Admission into the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, Enugu State in November 2011. About One Hundred and Eight (108) candidates from 14 States sat for the entrance examination and are expected to join the institution for various training programmes that will lead to the award of certificates and diplomas.

Within the period, the Ministry conducted Convocation Ceremony for 478 graduants for the 2007 – 2010 sets in December, 2011.

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Distribution of Aids and Appliances to Elder Persons The Ministry, in continuation with our Community Based Care for the Older Persons in the country, distributed Mobility Aids and Appliances as well as other relief materials to Old People’s Homes, and Old Peoples’-focused NGOs in the South-East, South-South, South West and North Central zones of the country between March and April, 2012.

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Nigeria Gender Statistics Book The Ministry recognized the dearth of data on women, children and Persons with Disabilities issues as one of the inhibiting factors affecting proper planning and project development for that sector. Currently, we have embarked on the collection and collation of all relevant data at all levels, towards the publication of the 3rd edition of the National Gender Statistics book for the country. It is being updated to incorporate relevant data on women, children and other Vulnerable Groups in the society.

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National Council on Women and Social Development The National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development was re-engineered, especially within the period, to facilitate the defense of the rights of the Nigerian Women, children and other vulnerable groups at the National, State and Local Government levels.

L-R Wife of Ekiti State Gov. Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Dev., Hajiya Zainab Maina, & Ekiti Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka at the 14th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Women Affairs & Social Development held in Ado-Ekiti in Feb., 2012

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This body which comprises the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, State Commissioners of Women Affairs and the FCT Director in charge of Women Affairs, constitutes the highest policy-making body in the sector. Also in attendance at these meetings were Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Women, Children and Social Welfare programmes at the Federal and State Ministries.

The 14th Edition of the Council was held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State in February 2012.

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT The National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is the only Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and proudly the only one of its kind in the African continent.

It is charged with the responsibility of stimulating consciousness towards the attainment of higher levels of development and activity for Nigerian Women.

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It serves as a data bank on women and development in Nigeria. The Centre facilitates the formulation of policies as well as provides training in skills development and income generating activities. It also provides forum for guidance and counseling and the mobilization of women in both urban and rural areas towards productive economic ventures. In addition, it liaises with National, Regional and International agencies involved in Gender development programmes.

Under the one year tenure of the present Administration, the Centre has been able to record the following achievements: Activation of Women Development Centres Nationwide The Centre has set in motion, the continuation of Phase II of NCWD/JICA Women Development Centres Activation Project. This phase of the project has a life span of 4 years and will be executed in 6 States with One (1) State from each of the 6 Geo-Political Zones (2011-2015).

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To date, the Centre, in collaboration with JICA has already conducted Baseline Surveys in the selected States. In addition, relevant Instructors and Management Personnel of the affected Centres as well as Technical Teams from the affected States have been trained to ensure standards and uniformity.

This is in addition to the provision of office furniture and Vocational Training Equipment.

National Gender Data Bank (NGDB) The need for accurate Gender Disaggregated Data for equitable governance and effective gender planning in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized, especially in the light of the various global and national policies around gender equality and the need to access timely, reliable and accurate data.

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The National Gender Data Bank (NGDB) hosted by the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is a database of all available gender statistics in Nigeria. The Bank serves as an important tool for promoting and monitoring progress towards gender equality and contributes to the national quest for equitable and sustainable development.

Within the period under review, the NGDB Project is currently collating Sex-disaggregated data on Elective and Appointive Positions in Nigeria from 1999 till date. So far, work is in progress in 20 States.

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Human Capital Development Working to realize the goals of the National Gender Policy, customized Gender Trainings have been introduced in the Centre to cover 12 Critical Areas of the Beijing Platform for Action. The first of such series for newly appointed Commissioners for Women Affairs was held in Abuja last month.

The Centre has also introduced a Young Persons Finishing School Programme to provide an opportunity for female young school leavers.

Within the reviewed period, the Centre has graduated over 400 trainees in Interior & Exterior Decoration, Fashion & Cosmetology; Hospitality & Tourism. It has also upgraded its Vocational Skills Courses in line with NBTE Guidelines.

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Even more significantly, the Centre has successfully commenced the first set of the 2-year Diploma programme approved by the National Board for Technical Education.

Similarly, arrangements have been concluded with the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to commence Masters Degree programme in Gender and Peace Building this year, in collaboration with the Centre.

In addition, the University of Abuja, in collaboration with the Centre, will graduate the first set of students of gender studies this year.

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Information & Technology Centre (ITC) In line with the Transformation Agenda and the mandate of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), ITC Training Programme is involved with activities and programs that promote human capital development through training, capacity building and motivation. Within the period under review the department recorded the following:

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ICT Training ICT Training of approximately 65 people in Computer Appreciation and Office Productivity during the period in review. In addition, eighty four (84) visually impaired persons benefited from the computer training, free of charge, out of which seven (7) of them are lawyers who work with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Also within the same period, the Centre commenced training on National Board for Technical Education accredited programmes on:  National Innovation Diploma in Computer Hardware Engineering Technology  National Innovation Diploma in Computer Software Engineering Technology; and

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CONCLUSION Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot end this presentation without expressing our sincere gratitude to the individuals and institutions that have provided a solid platform of support for us.

I wish to express our deep appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the excellent support he has given and continue to give on all issues relating to the advancement of women, children and other vulnerable groups in the society.

But we must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Mother of the Nation, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan for making it all happen for Women – Her Excellency has indeed been very instrumental to the present improved status of Women in Nigeria.

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Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I hasten to state that none of the achievements of the Ministry that I have spelt out in this Address would have been possible without the cooperation and support of the Media. We remain eternally grateful for your ready support and forbearance at all times, even as we look forward to a continued cordial relationship.

I thank all stakeholders for your partnership as we make efforts to improve the lives of the generality of our citizenry by empowering women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and creating better conditions that would enable our children live more fulfilled lives.

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