By ABUBAKAR YUSUF

Twice in a row, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has taken a new dimension and approach to advance the womenfolk to ensure gender equality in Nigeria.

This led to a well-organised seminar to mark the International Women’s Day in 2020, build-up to the global medical crisis of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and virtual session for 2021 as a mark of determined effort towards women advancement.

In addition to a clear-cut policy of ensuring a women-centred policies and programmes geared towards placing at vantage position in the promotion of MSME's in the country.

Since women control the bulk of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) world over, granting special concession and opportunity to women in Nigeria is not out of place.

Therefore, aside encouraging gender equality, women participation, the need to ensure more participation beyond the 50 per cent template of DBN will be a corollary to socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.

Practically, women engaged in MSMEs activities with an appreciable percentage of over 80 per cent, it is therefore timely for DBN – as the hub of activities that could jerk economic growth and sustainability – to embrace the ideals of women advancement is the prerequisite towards stability in all areas of our national life.

In spite of its virtual approach, this year's event was so colourful, educative and innovative as successful women were engaged as panelists and speakers who had distinct performances and strategic approach to women emancipation in Nigeria.

According to the organisers, celebrating women no doubt is impactful and strategic as women remain the reliable builders of MSMEs world over, with Nigeria not an exception.

Women participation in SMEs reduced financial constraints as they remained the rallying point as the real architects of the society.

Development Bank of Nigeria relied on the educational, social and economic indices that are capable of producing more impactful GDP, leading to financial literacy, inclusion and stability.

Since reliable statistics has showed over 1,500 to 7,000 women participated in household income, it is obvious with DBN intervention and encouragement through MSMEs, more positive strides will guarantee a highly stable economy.

DBN initiatives are quite commendable and its sustenance will transform the commercial, cultural, economic and social fabrics of women in Nigeria.

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