ECOWAS Calls for Gender Equality in Member-States’ Trade Policies

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged member states to integrate gender considerations into their trade policies to advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, made this appeal at the opening of a regional meeting on trade and gender in Abuja on Tuesday.

Toure-Litse emphasized that empowering women in trade aligns with regional and international best practices for promoting inclusive subregional trade. She highlighted that women, who make up about 50% of the global workforce, often face barriers in accessing international trade opportunities.

“Women-owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors. Trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives, exacerbating existing inequalities,” she noted.

Addressing these challenges, she said, is essential for fostering inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs, and ensuring that trade benefits everyone.

Toure-Litse pointed out that discriminatory trade policies could widen the gender inequality gap, noting that 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa is conducted by women, according to UN Women.

The commissioner praised ECOWAS for already implementing initiatives and policies aimed at promoting gender-inclusive trade, which aligns with the region’s commitment to deepening integration and accelerating development through inclusive trade.

She urged participants to contribute their expertise and engage in discussions on gender mainstreaming in trade to enhance the ECOWAS draft action plan on trade and gender. “A well-crafted action plan will definitely contribute to achieving Vision 2050, AfCFTA, the AU Agenda 2063, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

Toure-Litse also emphasized that the implementation of AfCFTA presents significant opportunities for increased intra-African trade, which must be leveraged to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women.

Declaring the event open, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, represented by Dr. Simon Ozomo, Director of Special Duties, emphasized that gender mainstreaming in regional trade policies is essential for fostering a prosperous and equitable trade environment. She added that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s trade facilitation policy and relevant ECOWAS community guidelines.

Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 Crowned Amidst Dual-Nationality Controversy

Chidinma Adetshina has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 at the grand finale of the annual beauty pageant held in Lagos on Saturday, August 31. The 23-year-old law student from Taraba State outshone four other finalists to claim the coveted title.

Despite facing controversy surrounding her dual-nationality, Chidinma demonstrated resilience throughout the competition. She emerged victorious after passing several rounds, including a first round where 24 contestants competed for the crown.

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD98bU6mYPHNT7d7D2j

In the final-five round, Chidinma competed against Miss Rivers, Nyekachi Douglas; Miss Anambra, Paula Ezendu; Miss Edo, Edeifo Brittany; and Miss Ondo, Ayegbidun Peace Olamide. Following a rigorous evaluation, Chidinma secured the top spot, with Miss Anambra as the first runner-up and Miss Ondo as the second runner-up, also named Miss Lush.

Chidinma’s win comes just days after she opened up about her struggles with dual-nationality and the identity crisis she faced. In an interview on Cool FM with former Big Brother Naija star Tacha, she shared how she overcame the emotional toll caused by her removal from the Miss South Africa competition due to allegations of fraud and identity theft involving her mother.

Chidinma revealed that she found strength by shifting her mindset and learning to cope with the controversy that surrounded her identity.

UN Condemns Deadly Burkina Faso Terror Attack, 200 Killed

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned a brutal terror attack that claimed around 200 lives in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, over the weekend, leaving 140 others injured.

The attack was carried out by the Al Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), which has been expanding its control in northern Burkina Faso.

This group, originating from Mali, has contributed to the region’s worsening security situation, which led to two military coups in 2022.

Residents of Barsalogho were reportedly digging trenches to defend the town from assaults when the militants attacked. Many of the wounded were evacuated to healthcare facilities in the nearby city of Kaya.

In a statement, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric shared that the Secretary-General expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Burkina Faso, reaffirming the UN’s support for the transitional government’s fight against terrorism.

“The secretary-general expresses his solidarity with the authorities and urges them to bring the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice,” Dujarric said.

The UN’s humanitarian teams on the ground described the situation as dire, with an estimated 90,000 displaced people living in Barsalogho as of 2023.

The region is struggling with severe hunger and limited aid access, as insecurity has made it difficult to deliver relief. Helicopter transport has been the primary means of reaching the area since 2022.