Speaker Decries Literacy Gap Among African Women

The House of Representatives Speaker, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, has called for increased efforts to promote women’s empowerment, citing a staggering literacy gap among African women.

Dr Abbass made the call at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 in Abuja, themed “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future’.

Dr Abbas revealed that nearly 60% of African women lack basic literacy skills, posing a significant barrier to personal advancement and national development.

He emphasized the importance of addressing the literacy gap and promoting women’s welfare, noting that according to UNESCO, approximately 773 million adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills, with a 7% gender gap.

The Speaker stressed that addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of women and the development of safer, healthier communities.

He explained that to address the literacy gap and promote women’s empowerment, the House has introduced a Legislative Agenda prioritizing women’s political participation and economic empowerment.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara echoed the Speakers call, emphasizing the need for collective action to promote women’s welfare.

Ogbara highlighted the committee’s efforts to support women’s empowerment, including the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, which documents the achievements of women who have broken through barriers and contributed to various sectors.

She also announced plans to honor outstanding Nigerians who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering women and championing gender equality. She expressed gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives for their support in advancing gender equality.

The conference, attended by women leaders from across Nigeria, aimed to promote women’s empowerment and address the challenges facing Nigerian women.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji