Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Prof Oluwakemi Adetutu Aliyu, has said that empowering women is a strategic pathway to sustainable development, urging institutions and policymakers to prioritise gender inclusion in economic, educational and environmental frameworks to build resilient societies.

Aliyu, a professor of inorganic chemistry at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, stated this on Friday in Kaduna at an occasion marking the International Women’s Day 2026, organised by an NGO, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE).

WISE celebrated the day under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action: Women Building Sustainable Futures,” highlighting the importance of gender equality in shaping inclusive and sustainable development.

Aliyu, who was the keynote speaker, urged institutions to examine whether their structures genuinely enable women to build the future rather than merely struggle within existing systems.

She explained that sustainable futures must be built on inclusion, stressing that excluding women from shaping development would leave societies structurally incomplete.

According to her, sustainability extends beyond environmental protection and includes economic resilience, social equity, environmental stewardship and strong, accountable institutions.

She said sustainable development requires systems that endure, including economies that create jobs, communities that remain stable and institutions that protect citizens’ rights.

Aliyu noted that global development frameworks have evolved from the Millennium Development Goals to the broader Sustainable Development Goals aimed at systemic transformation.

She explained that women are no longer viewed simply as beneficiaries of development but as drivers of economic growth and social transformation.

Citing statistics, Aliyu said women constitute about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural labour force and contribute nearly 80 per cent of food production activities.

She noted that agriculture contributes roughly 22 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), meaning that increased productivity among women farmers directly strengthens the national economy.

Aliyu warned that climate change could cost Nigeria between six and 30 per cent of its GDP by 2050 without adequate adaptation and reform.

She added that investing in women’s access to finance, land, digital tools and markets expands small businesses, increases employment and strengthens household incomes.

“When women are empowered economically, local economies grow stronger and national productivity increases. Investing in women is not charity; it is economic intelligence,” she said.

Aliyu also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, noting that about 60 per cent of out-of-school children in Nigeria are girls.

She explained that educating girls improves household income, reduces child mortality and strengthens civic participation in communities.

The professor said global data shows women make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s 774 million illiterate adults, describing the situation as a major sustainability challenge.

She stressed that education serves as the bridge between present development efforts and future societal stability.

Aliyu also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to drive innovation and expand green technologies.

Speaking on environmental sustainability, she said climate change affects food systems, water access, public health and economic stability.

She explained that women play critical roles in water management, food preparation and household adaptation, making their involvement in environmental decision-making essential.

She emphasised that women must not only participate in climate discussions but also hold leadership roles in environmental governance.

According to her, institutional sustainability requires the inclusion of women in planning meetings, budgeting decisions and policy development processes.

Aliyu said representation shapes policy outcomes and determines how development benefits are distributed within societies.

She noted that women’s representation in climate governance bodies under international frameworks has approached about 40 per cent, describing it as progress but not yet parity.

Aliyu also called on the private sector to support sustainable futures through investments in green innovation, digital inclusion and impact financing.

She said technology platforms can enable women entrepreneurs to access wider markets and expand economic opportunities beyond their local communities.

The professor emphasised the need for collaboration among governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to advance inclusive development.

Aliyu commended WISE for promoting environmental awareness and women’s leadership since its establishment in 2009.

She noted that the organisation has reached over 120,000 women and girls through empowerment initiatives and environmental education programmes.

According to her, WISE has supported the distribution of about 60,000 clean cookstoves, reducing emissions while creating micro-enterprise opportunities.

She added that the organisation has facilitated the planting of 5,000 trees across 220 schools in Kaduna State as part of environmental education efforts.

Aliyu said these achievements demonstrate how community-driven initiatives can strengthen environmental sustainability and socio-economic resilience.

She urged policymakers and development partners to move beyond dialogue toward practical actions that protect women’s rights and expand economic opportunities.

Aliyu stressed that enforcing women’s land rights, improving financial access and strengthening girls’ education are critical pathways to sustainable development.

She concluded that empowering women strengthens resilience, increases productivity, accelerates innovation and ensures long-term societal stability.

Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, Founder and Executive Director of WISE

Earlier, Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, Founder and Executive Director of WISE, urged women to embrace self-development, reflection and collective action to advance their rights and build sustainable futures.

She said women must continually “learn, unlearn and relearn” in order to discover themselves, unleash their potentials and contribute meaningfully to society.

She explained that WISE aligns its activities with environmental sustainability, climate action and peace building, empowering women and girls to become natural resource stewards and active contributors to sustainable development.

According to her, women must recognise their rights and roles in shaping a sustainable environment, stressing that injustice against one woman ultimately affects all.

She urged women not to ignore wrongdoing within their communities, noting that silence in the face of injustice often allows harmful practices to continue.

Olugboji-Daramola emphasised that gender equality should not be seen as a competition between men and women but a collective effort towards building a better society.

The WISE founder also highlighted the role of education and self-reliance, noting that many women carry untapped talents, dreams and business ideas waiting to be realised.

She encouraged women to invest in their personal growth and economic independence, saying they have valuable contributions to make in their families, communities and the nation.

She equally urged women to strive to be the best versions of themselves, stressing that their contributions are vital to the stability and progress of families and society.

Barr. Ruth Olajide

Presenting a paper titled “Intergenerational Rights: Protecting the Future Through Justice Today,” a legal practitioner, Ruth Olajide, said safeguarding the rights of future generations requires deliberate actions and policies that promote justice, equity and sustainability in the present.

She noted that decisions made today on issues such as environmental protection, climate action, governance and social justice would significantly determine the quality of life available to future generations.

Olajide urged governments, institutions and individuals to adopt responsible practices and policies that prioritise fairness, sustainability and accountability in order to secure a just and livable future for coming generations.(NAN)