The manual Mainstreaming Gender into States’ Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS) is addressing two key issues that are arguably the most important in the world today-gender mainstreaming and development strategy. As the Economic Adviser to the President Dr. Osita Ogbu noted in the foreword to the manual, “gender mainstreaming in both State and National plans emphasizing political, economic and socio-cultural equity is critical for social justice, economic equity and plan effectiveness.”[i] Meanwhile, it is well documented that gender inequality is a constraint to growth and poverty reduction while a more equitable gender relation is an accelerator of poverty reduction.[ii] Therefore, any effort, tool or methodology that helps to close the gender gap and lead to a more equitable gender relation is not a favour to women as some would argue neither is it just good politics. It is good economics as well and will lead to poverty reduction and sustainable development. The manual itself gives a definition and justification for gender mainstreaming from which we quote elaborately:
[i] Ogbu, Osita in Foreword, Mainstreaming Gender into States’ Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS): A Practical Manual. Abuja, National Planning Commission.
[ii] Economic Commission for Africa ECA (2004), “The Missing Link in growth and Sustainable Development: Closing the Gender Gap” in ADB/ECA Symposium on Gender, Growth and Sustainable Development, 24 may, 2004, Kampala, Uganda.
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Dr. Otive Igbuzor is a Pharmacist, Human Rights Activist, Policy Analyst, Development Expert, and author who is a reader’s delight. His authored works are always enchanting, interesting and yet very impactful. His books have been instrumental to building a new breed of leaders capable of advancing Africa out of the woods of socio-economic and political decadence.
