The Federal Government says it prioritises women in its agricultural development empowerment programmes, considering their vital roles in the society.
Dr Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the ministry ensured compliance of all donor assisted projects under it to improve livelihood and agricultural productivity of rural women.
He said this was in line with United Nations SDG 5, focusing on gender equality.
Abubakar said this at the Female Veterinarians Association of Nigeria (FEVAN) Conference on Saturday in Abuja.
Its theme is: “Female Veterinarians In Sustainable Development.”
He reiterated that gender equality was achieved when women, men, girls and boys had equal rights, conditions and opportunities and the power to shape their own lives and contribute to the development of society.
According to him, It is a matter of equitable distribution of power, influence and resources in society.
Abubakar said veterinary medicine at the moment was no longer men-dominated profession based on evidence by the level of enrolment, graduation and induction of women into the noble profession.
“Female vets are currently at the helm of affairs, occupying strategic positions within the agricultural landscape, be it academia, research and governance.
“The gender policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to, among others, contribute towards women’s empowerment and eradication of unequal gender power relations in the workplace and economy, in trade unions and in broader society.
“It is also to encourage the participation, support and co-operation of men in taking shared responsibility for the elimination of sexism and redefining of oppressive gender roles.
“It also increased the participation of women in leadership and decision-making; increase awareness and gender sensitivity in all sectors, defend and advance women rights.
Abubakar reinterated that girl child education and empowerment was one of the greatest barriers, which if surmounted, would guarantee a prosperous and efficient society and where issues were discussed, presented and acted upon from an informed perspective.
“Needless to re-echo the popular saying that “If you educate a man, you have educated an individual, but if you educate a girl-child, you have educated an entire generation.
“This is true because the first contact and informal teacher to a child is the woman,” he said.
Dr Gloria Daminabo, Coordinator and Convener of FEVAN conference said there had never been a better time for female veterinarians in the country to have a strong voice and to get the needed support to thrive in their careers while promoting SDGs.
According her, promotion of SDGs is through animal health, public health and agriculture.
Daminabo said the conference was aimed at celebrating the giant stride of female veterinarians in all areas and as well solidify FEVAN as a leading body championing the course of female veterinarians.
“This remarkable moment focus on female veterinarians the history of the profession, we have women, leading all arms of the profession.
“The Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest, being policy making arm, is headed by a woman for the first time in government.
“The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), the National Veterinary Research Institute (VOM) and Dr Vivian Iwar, Executive Director, ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre which is beyond the shores of Nigeria.