By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Canadian high Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, has announced the support of CAS $15m for the empowerment of Nigerian women through ActionAid Nigeria
This was disclosed at the Launch of the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria project held in Abuja.
Speaking, the Country Director of Actionaid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu in his welcome address, stated that the event marked a defining moment in the collective journey towards advancing the rights of women and girls, deepening feminist organising, and building a gender-just Nigeria.
“We gather today not only to unveil a project but to reaffirm a vision of hope, equality, and justice for women and girls across Nigeria. The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership programme is not only Nigerian; it is a global initiative of Global Affairs Canada implemented across 20 countries worldwide, supporting thousands of women’s rights organisations and movements. Nigeria is proud to be part of this global movement, and today, we recommit to deepening its reach and impact.
The Andrew Mamedu shared the story of Zainab Jibrin, a woman from Kebbi State, whom through the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project, returned to school, to complete her Junior WAEC after 22 years of marriage.
“In addition to her journey, she acquired vocational skills in Vaseline production, dishwashing liquids, and bedsheet crafting, enabling her to support her family and other women in her community. Once hesitant, her family now proudly stands by her, and today she is not only economically independent but also a beacon of hope, proving that empowered women transform families and communities. She is just one among thousands of women whose lives have been transformed through this initiative.
He stated that, “over the past five years, through the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project, we have witnessed what is possible when women are supported to lead.
“Together, we strengthened over 182 women’s rights organisations, reached more than 752,667 women and girls directly and over 6,258,244 people indirectly in 24 states and the FCT and advanced women’s participation in decision-making, economic empowerment, justice, and politics.
“We also saw grassroots women take their rightful place in governance spaces; young feminists rise to challenge systemic barriers; and women in communities build livelihoods to support their families.
“Through powerful movement-building, campaigns such as “Occupy NASS movement and the “State Of Emergency On GBV call to action shook the national space and demanded accountability.
“But as we celebrate these milestones, we also recognise that the work is far from complete. Inequalities persist, women continue to face barriers in politics and livelihoods, only 6.7% of women are in elective and appointive position in the current parliament compared to 22.5 global average and 23.4 African average.
“Violence against women remains widespread in 2023, 27,698 cases in 6 states reported, and too many voices particularly those of women in conflict-affected communities remain excluded. This is why the RWVL Project has been designed to deepen, expand, and sustain the gains of the last phase, through states expansion, increased partnerships and intersectional approaches.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Government of Canada for their unwavering commitment to women’s rights.
During his speech delivery, the Canadian high Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, stated that the advancement of gender equality in Nigeria strengthens shared future.
“In this context, the RWWL is both principled and pragmatic. It strengthens frontline organizations; expands access to quality services; builds coalitions for reform from state assemblies to national ministries; and insists on accountability so that commitments translate into real results.
“Canada is proud to be a global leader on gender equality. Since 2020, Canada has consistently ranked among the top donors supporting the empowerment of women and girls. We set a clear target of 95% of our bilateral international development assistance would either directly target or integrate gender equality-and we are proud to have surpassed that in 2023–2024.
“Canada’s new Africa Strategy is our compass for deepening partnerships across the continent. It emphasizes inclusive, locally led development; poverty reduction and inclusive growth; peace, security, and human rights; and global partnerships anchored in mutual respect and accountability. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063The Africa We Want”: inclusive growth, regional integration, good governance, the rule of law, and peace and security.
“The Renewed WVL Project in Nigeria sits squarely at this intersection. First, it reduces poverty by investing in the leadership and economic agency of women and girls because when women lead, communities and markets thrive. Second, it advances gender equality by providing core funding so organizations can set their own agendas, respond to local needs, and drive sustained change. These are the pillars of the Africa Strategy in action-local ownership, inclusion, and durable impact.
He therefore announced, that the launch of the renewed woman voice in leadership project, with Nigeria, would once again receive the largest share; CAD $15 million over the next five years.
“An investment will be delivered nationally with a strong focus on localization, inclusion, and sustainability.
“Today’s launch is a partnership moment. Allow me to acknowledge our colleagues in federal and state governments; our implementing partners, including ActionAid Nigeria; and the many women’s rights organizations whose courage and expertise make this work possible.”
