UN Women Trains Permanent Secretaries on Gender-Responsive Governance.

At a time when conversations around governance reform and inclusive leadership are becoming increasingly urgent, senior public service leaders across Nigeria are taking decisive steps to strengthen gender-responsive governance. A two-day training on gender-responsive leadership, convened by UN Women Nigeria, Kimpact Development Initiative, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with support from the Government of Canada, brought together Permanent Secretaries and key government actors to deepen their understanding of inclusive governance and institutional reform.

The training created a platform for critical reflection on how governance systems, policies, and public institutions can better respond to the realities and needs of all Nigerians. Discussions focused on practical strategies for embedding gender-responsive approaches into leadership, planning, budgeting, and service delivery across the Nigerian Civil Service.

Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack underscored the importance of inclusive governance in driving national development. She emphasized that “gender responsiveness is not merely a social obligation, but a governance imperative,” noting that inclusive leadership strengthens decision-making processes and leads to more sustainable and equitable outcomes for citizens.

Similarly, UN Women Nigeria Representative, Beatrice Eyong reiterated the centrality of gender equality to effective governance. She stressed that “gender-responsive leadership is not an add-on, but a core governance imperative,” highlighting the need for policies, programmes, and budgets to reflect the lived realities of women, men, girls, and boys, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As part of the training, Beatrice Eyong also facilitated a session on gender and development concepts as well as gender analysis. The session equipped participants with practical tools to better understand how gender dynamics influence policy outcomes, institutional planning, and public sector decision-making. Participants explored how integrating gender-responsive approaches into governance structures can improve efficiency, accountability, and public trust.

The second day of the training focused on translating commitments into concrete action. Sessions covered a range of topics, including the happiness index, the cost of gender inequality, access and control frameworks, gender-responsive budgeting and planning, and gender-based violence prevention and response. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants examined practical ways to strengthen public service delivery and ensure that government interventions are more inclusive and impactful.

A key highlight of the training was the introduction of the Inclusive Network for Supporting Progress, Innovation, Reform and Equity by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The initiative reinforces a growing commitment within the Nigerian Civil Service to institutionalize gender-responsive leadership and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

The training concluded on a symbolic and inspiring note as male Permanent Secretaries were pinned as HeForShe champions, reaffirming their commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women’s leadership across public institutions. The gesture reflected a shared recognition that achieving inclusive governance requires collective action, partnership, and sustained leadership at every level of government.