By Ebi Kesiena
Sightsavers, an international non-governmental organisation focused on preventing avoidable blindness and promoting equal opportunities, has disclosed that closing the gender employment gap in Nigeria could significantly boost the country’s economy.
The organisation highlighted that if women were employed at the same rate as men, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita could increase by 8.4%, equivalent to an increase of at least ₦200,000 per capita today.
Referencing a World Bank report, Sightsavers noted that failing to close the gender employment gap could cost some countries up to 20% of their potential income. The report further explained that three-quarters of the total economic gains from gender parity could be realised almost immediately, with the remaining benefits unfolding over a generation.
As the world marks International Women’s Day (8 March) and global women and disability conferences approach, Sightsavers is calling for urgent action to improve women’s access to employment, particularly for those with disabilities who face additional challenges in achieving financial independence.
Speaking on the issue, Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers Country Director, emphasised the economic impact of gender disparities in employment. She explained that the gender gap in Nigeria’s workforce stands at 8.4%, with a lack of access to resources and workplace barriers preventing millions of women, especially those with disabilities, from participating in the economy.
“The combined impact of disability and gender discrimination creates multiple, overlapping barriers that push women with disabilities into extreme poverty,” Shu’aibu stated.
She urged global leaders attending the upcoming 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) and the Global Disability Summit (GDS) to adopt disability-inclusive policies that could unlock billions in economic potential while advancing gender equality.
This was contained in a statement by Joy Tarbo, Sightsavers Communications Associate, adding that the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that women can access health services, skills development programmes, and economic opportunities. Sightsavers’ initiatives, she noted, are designed to empower women, particularly those with disabilities, to gain confidence, acquire skills, and secure sustainable employment or start their own businesses.
One such initiative is the Sightsavers-led IT Bridge Academy in Lagos, which equips young people with disabilities with digital skills training and professional development opportunities. A success story from the programme is Tokoni, who completed the training and secured employment at MTN, a leading multinational telecommunications company in Africa and the Middle East.
Reflecting on her journey, Tokoni shared:
“The IT Bridge Academy changed my life. It gave me not just skills but also the confidence to pursue my career ambitions. Working at MTN has been a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.”
With evidence showing that gender-inclusive economic policies could unlock Nigeria’s economic potential, Sightsavers is urging policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders to take immediate action in creating equitable employment opportunities for women, particularly those with disabilities, to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
