The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, on Monday, stressed the need for countries to provide economic opportunities for women, noting that such opportunities are critical for national development.
Mohammed made the remarks during a high-level engagement at the United Nations House in New York, where she received the Founder of Women Leaders Support Advancement, Deborah Jan Hornecker, alongside members of the organisation and its diaspora leadership, according to a statement released by WLSA on Monday.
During the meeting, Mohammed acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts in supporting women, particularly the vulnerable and underserved, while applauding WLSA’s grassroots-driven initiatives aimed at empowering women in local communities.
She encouraged the organisation “to sustain its humanitarian interventions, noting that inclusive social and economic opportunities for women remain critical to national and global development.”
The UN Deputy Secretary-General described WLSA’s work as “timely and impactful,” urging continued advocacy and action to uplift women who desire and deserve improved livelihoods and dignity.
In her response, Hornecker, on behalf of WLSA and partner organisations including DEFAUYA Women Foundation, Ramat Foundation, and Chayah Hope Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for Amina Mohammed’s moral leadership, guidance, and unwavering support for women-focused initiatives.
She reaffirmed WLSA’s commitment to advancing the welfare of disadvantaged Nigerian women, stressing that grassroots empowerment remains central to the organisation’s mission.
In furtherance of its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and humanitarian action, WLSA also participated in an economic summit held at the Nigerian House in New York.
In a keynote presentation titled “Women at the Centre of Global Progress: Leadership, Inclusion, and Collective Responsibility,” Deborah Jan Hornecker underscored the urgent need for global support systems for vulnerable women.
She described WLSA as a purpose-driven movement bridging advocacy and opportunity—from grassroots women entrepreneurs to Nigerian women excelling in global institutions—ensuring that women at all levels are recognised, supported, and strengthened.
According to her, “Empowering women and youths is fundamental to stabilising societies and strengthening economies. Real-life humanitarian encounters, including widows supporting large families, abandoned patients, and unsupported new mothers, continue to drive WLSA’s compassionate interventions.”
She further called on Nigerian women in the diaspora to actively engage in community development at home, while urging leaders at all levels to embrace servant leadership anchored in humanity and compassion.
Hornecker concluded by emphasising that women are not peripheral to progress but central to it, noting that resilient, inclusive, and prosperous nations are built when women lead and are adequately supported.
Women’s empowerment is gaining momentum in Nigeria, with initiatives like the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project aiming to reach 25 million beneficiaries nationwide, providing access to finance, skills, and markets. The European Union has also concluded a digital skills program targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities in North-East Nigeria, training over 18,000 individuals and establishing 32 IT hubs.