The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), an initiative of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has expressed its readiness to explore gender-inclusive pathways to poverty reduction by addressing dimensions of deprivation such as health, education, and standards of living at the third edition of the Gender and Inclusion Summit.
This annual event with the pivotal theme “Reimagining Gender-Inclusive Pathways and Partnerships for Poverty Reduction” will take place on the 4th and 5th of September, 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Nigeria.
Dr Tayo Aduloju, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, stated that:
“The Summit’s theme is deeply rooted in the transformative vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and provides a comprehensive roadmap for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all”.
He further stated that “The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 ranks Nigeria 109th out of 125 countries, indicating severe hunger levels, with women, girls and persons with disabilities facing higher food insecurity. Conflict, climate risks, widening income gaps, food insecurity and inflation have exacerbated rising levels of poverty and inequalities.
He noted further that “Evidence shows a parallel relationship between severe multidimensional poverty and gender inequality. Countries that perform poorly on the Global Gender Report also report the highest incidence of severe multidimensional poverty.”
He mentioned that poverty is defined across three main dimensions: health, education, and standards of living, encompassing access to essential infrastructure and services.
Also, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, the executive director of the Policy Innovation Centre, stated that “the intersection of poverty and gender inequity underscores profound challenges in health, livelihood, and living conditions, particularly evident in Nigeria. Many families are experiencing severe poverty, aggravated by disparities in access to resources and opportunities.
Addressing these poverty-related challenges requires avenues for promoting gender equity through holistic partnerships. GS-24 will offer a platform to discuss and develop strategies for addressing poverty through a gender lens.”
She explained that the upcoming summit will serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in critical discussions, share insights, and forge partnerships that will advance the SDGs and promote inclusive economic growth.
The Gender and Inclusion Summit was conceptualized in 2022 as an annual event to provide an inclusive platform to explore transformative ways to advance gender equity, inclusion and gender-responsive governance in Africa.
The Summit will explore gender-inclusive pathways to poverty reduction and the impacts of multidimensional deprivations on health, education, livelihood, and living standards. GS-24 would also leverage the collective power of government, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships for inclusive development.
The Summit will be a two-day hybrid (physical and virtual) event comprising plenary, breakout sessions, oral and poster presentations, learning workshops, exhibitions, side and networking events.
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