KOICA ADVANCES GENDER INCLUSION THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING FOR NIGERIANS.
By: Odugbo Sarah (writing from South Korea)
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has commenced a two-week intensive capacity-building training for selected Nigerian officials on Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusive Development in Seoul, South Korea.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director, Education Support, Republic of Korea, Mr. Yoon Young-kil, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and commended the long-standing partnership between Korea and Nigeria in promoting education and human capital development.
He emphasized that gender equality remains a critical pillar of Korea’s development experience and a foundation for building a fair and inclusive society. According to him, “Korea’s rapid progress was not achieved by economic policies alone but by ensuring that both men and women contribute equally to national growth. Empowering women and integrating gender perspectives into governance is not just about fairness.it is about ensuring sustainable progress.”
Mr. Yoon expressed optimism that the training would equip Nigerian participants with the tools and strategies to strengthen gender-responsive governance and community development back home, adding that such collaboration will further deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Korea.
In her remarks, the Leader of the Nigerian Delegation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, stated that the training aligns perfectly with the policy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration on women’s development and empowerment.
She explained that the Federal Government has demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare and advancement of women, placing gender empowerment and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the forefront of its national development priorities.
Dr. Keshinro added that the training would further strengthen the capacity of Nigerian officials to implement gender-responsive programs that improve the quality of life of women and promote inclusive growth. She expressed appreciation to KOICA for its sustained collaboration with Nigeria in promoting women’s rights, empowerment, and institutional capacity building.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Team and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Mrs. Ijeoma Duru, acknowledged KOICA’s continuous efforts in empowering Nigerian officials through knowledge transfer and exposure to international best practices.
She assured that participants would apply the skills and insights gained during the program to improve policy implementation and strengthen gender inclusion mechanisms within their respective organizations.
The training, which is part of KOICA’s Fellowship Program, brings together participants from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), involved in gender and social development. It features lectures, study visits to gender-focused institutions, interactive workshops, and experience-sharing sessions with Korean experts.
It is expected that the program will not only enhance institutional collaboration and drive innovative approaches toward achieving gender equality and inclusive national development in Nigeria but also serve as a platform for strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea.
