OCDI Joins Stakeholders to Advance Women's Economic Empowerment Policy in Kwara State

Policies create opportunities, but their true impact lies in how effectively they are implemented. Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) participated in the Development and Domestication of the Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy in Kwara State, held from 22nd to 24th July 2026. The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Governors' Forum in partnership with the Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs and facilitated by Professor Olabisi Aina, Executive Director of the Global Centre for Women Studies and Development (GWCSD). The workshop brought together government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the state's readiness for the domestication and implementation of the National Women's Economic Empowerment Policy. Throughout the three-day engagement, participants examined the current policy landscape by assessing existing gender policies, institutional coordination mechanisms, implementation capacity and legal frameworks that influence women's economic empowerment in Kwara State. These discussions provided an opportunity to identify gaps while exploring practical approaches for translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes. A major focus of the workshop was stakeholder mapping, an essential process for identifying institutions and organisations that play critical roles in advancing women's economic empowerment. Participants assessed stakeholders based on their influence and level of interest, enabling the development of effective engagement strategies that will promote collaboration, encourage policy ownership and strengthen implementation. The workshop also introduced practical planning tools, including the SWOT Analysis and the PESTTLE framework, to help participants identify political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal and ethical factors that could either support or hinder policy implementation. Expected outputs from the workshop include diagnostic reports, stakeholder mapping matrices, a domesticated Women's Economic Empowerment Policy for Kwara State, implementation plans and action frameworks, as well as recommendations to guide state-level action across relevant ministries, departments and agencies. OCDI remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, strengthen institutions and expand economic opportunities for women and girls. By working alongside government and development partners, the organisation continues to contribute to policies and programmes that foster inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods across Kwara State.