The CLEEN Foundation has urged for a more robust implementation of gender-responsive policies in Nigeria, highlighting the need for institutional practices that promote gender equality and enhance women's participation in governance and decision-making processes. This call was made during a three-day state-level dialogue held in Owerri, where stakeholders gathered to discuss advancing gender-responsive policies.

Peter Maduoma, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, emphasized that while Nigeria has established a comprehensive framework for promoting gender equality, including the National Gender Policy and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, significant challenges remain in translating these policies into effective practices. He pointed out that despite the existence of gender-responsive provisions, their actual implementation is often hindered by various factors such as limited resources, weak institutional ownership, and inadequate gender-disaggregated data.

Maduoma noted that these challenges are particularly pronounced in conflict-affected areas, where issues like insecurity and poverty disproportionately impact women and girls. In Imo State, the interplay of insecurity and social vulnerability necessitates a shift from mere policy commitments to actionable institutional reforms.

The dialogue aimed to serve as a multi-stakeholder platform to examine how existing gender-responsive frameworks can be effectively integrated into institutional policies, budgets, and operational practices. Maduoma stressed that the discussions would not merely raise awareness but would also facilitate policy reflection, accountability, and actionable planning among stakeholders.

Nkechinyere Ugwu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Imo State, reiterated the state’s commitment to collaborating with organizations like CLEEN Foundation to enhance the protection and inclusion of women in institutional frameworks. Represented by Austin Okoro, the Director of Women Affairs, she called on various stakeholders to actively participate in advocacy efforts to promote gender-responsive policies across communities.

The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the need for gender equality in Nigeria, as stakeholders work towards ensuring that policies not only exist on paper but are also effectively implemented to create a more inclusive society.