By Wisdom Agbonta
As part of commitments aimed at enhancing human capital development and creating sustainable employment opportunities for residents, the Edo State Government under the administration of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has held a strategic meeting with representatives of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to finalize the Integrated Employment Strategy (IES) 2024 – 2028.
The IES is designed to address the employment needs of residents in the State through five strategic pillars, including Infrastructure and Urban Development; Education, Skills, and TVET; Technology and Innovation; Investment and Economic Development; and Health and Social Protection.
During a stakeholders’ engagement, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., underscored the significance of the partnership with GIZ, assuring the Edo State Government’s commitments to providing social protection and empowerment programmes for women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and widows.
According to Chief Idaomi, the Edo State Government’s partnership with GIZ aims to identify gaps in skills’ development; support for women’s economic empowerment through child care services; GBV response systems and equitable pay initiatives; development and expansion of public work programmes for unemployed and vulnerable populations in the State.
The engagement afforded the Commissioner with her Team and the representatives of GIZ to share insights and gave recommendations, which will inform the development of a sustainable strategy focused on promoting women’s empowerment in the State.
