As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Federal Government has urged Nigerian women to tap into the capital market as a powerful tool for wealth creation and economic empowerment.
The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this call in Abuja during the official launch of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Podcast, emphasizing the need for increased female participation in financial markets.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted her thus,
“Opening opportunities for women in the capital market would create a pathway to wealth creation. We need to introduce more policies, reforms, and frameworks that encourage greater female participation in the financial sector,” Uzoka-Anite stated.
Highlighting the financial acumen of women, she noted their natural ability to manage resources effectively. “Women are already great investors. We know how to manage household finances and ensure that money meets the needs of the entire family.
“If women learn how to make money work for them through smart investing, they will not only secure their financial future but also contribute to national economic growth.”
The Minister called for a multi-faceted approach to addressing the barriers women face in accessing the capital market.
“Empowering women financially requires both individual and institutional efforts. Women must take bold steps to engage with investment opportunities, while institutions must create environments that support and recognize female competence and capability.”
Commending the SEC’s podcast initiative, Dr. Uzoka-Anite described it as “a highly innovative and timely platform to spread financial knowledge and encourage inclusive participation in the capital market.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, explained that the podcast is designed to educate Nigerians, including those in remote areas, about capital market opportunities. “We want every Nigerian, regardless of location, to understand how they can leverage the capital market to build wealth,” he said.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s call to action signals a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the gender gap in financial markets and promote economic inclusivity.
With increased female participation in the capital market, Nigeria moves closer to its $1 trillion economy goal, ensuring that women play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic transformation.