Amina’s Story: Resilience Amid Barriers

Nineteen-year-old Amina, a student living with a physical disability in Kano—the Nigerian state with the highest female unemployment rate as of 2020—represents both the challenge and promise of inclusive growth. Once struggling to run an online fabric business without a proper marketing plan or support, Amina’s future took a turn through her involvement in the SABI Woman Programme.

“I didn’t have any idea how to market or compete,” she said. “But now I know how to plan and build my business.”

Her transformation highlights the potential that lies in equipping women, especially those with disabilities, with relevant skills and support networks.

The Gender Employment Gap Index: What It Reveals

The World Bank’s recently released Gender Employment Gap Index serves as a wake-up call. According to the report, if women were employed at the same rate as men, global GDP could rise from $106 trillion to $127 trillion. That $21 trillion gain is larger than the entire GDP of the European Union.

“Three-quarters of those gains could be realized almost immediately,” said Lianna Jones, Global Technical Lead for Economic Empowerment at Sightsavers. “We are looking at the biggest untapped opportunity in modern economic history.”

In Nigeria, the gender employment gap stands at 8.4%. Closing this gap could raise GDP per capita by nearly three times the national minimum wage.

Why Inclusion Is Crucial for Africa’s Future

With Africa’s population projected to grow significantly by 2030, equal economic opportunities could lead to what Lianna describes as a “double dividend”: increased productivity and reduced income inequality.

“Women reinvest a significant portion of their income back into their families and communities,” she explained.

Programmes Driving Change: From Lagos to Kenya

In Nigeria, initiatives like the IT Bridge Academy in Lagos and Kano are equipping women and persons with disabilities for formal employment. Amina attributes her renewed confidence and business skills to the SABI Woman project.

“Now I can compete. I know how to plan and structure my business,” she said. “My dream is to become a big businesswoman who employs others.”

Equal World Campaign: Advocacy on a Global Scale

The Equal World campaign has helped elevate disability rights advocacy. Lydia Rosasi, a Kenyan civil servant and global youth champion, has addressed global platforms such as the UN Civil Society Conference and the UNCRPD Conference to push for disability inclusion.

“We’re pushing for real change,” she said.

From Charity to Strategy

The message is clear: economic inclusion is not charity—it is smart economics. Empowerment programmes are shifting narratives and enhancing GDP through inclusive development.

Conclusion: Time for Action

Nigeria and the broader African continent cannot afford the cost of continued exclusion. Bridging the gender employment gap is not just an ethical imperative—it is a proven economic strategy. With the right support, inclusion can drive national transformation.