Gwagwalada: Ms Juliana Anosike, the Project Manager of the German Non-Governmental Organisation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), has called for the inclusion of women working in the informal economy in decision-making processes that affect their businesses. Anosike made this appeal during a Forum for Women in the Informal Economy, organised by Feminism Lab in Gwagwalada.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Feminism Lab, an initiative by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, is focused on promoting gender justice and empowering women economically. It aims to drive inclusive policy reforms through research, advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement. Anosike emphasized that this forum is part of a broader effort to tackle the challenges faced by women in the informal economy and to enhance their economic empowerment.
Anosike highlighted that the program’s goal is to provide women with practical knowledge and create recommendations for more responsive local economic policies. She stated that this initiative is
part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to amplify the voices and economic needs of women. The organisation, operational in Nigeria since 1976, is dedicated to promoting social democracy, participatory governance, and citizen engagement in democratic processes.
The forum, Anosike noted, was inspired by findings from a 2025 research project by Feminism Lab, which explored wealth creation and distribution from a gender perspective. She pointed out that women in the informal sector often face issues like multiple taxation without clear understanding, leading to unnecessary financial burdens. Therefore, equipping them with proper knowledge about taxation is crucial.
Women in the informal sector play vital roles in family sustenance through small-scale businesses such as trading, food vending, and agricultural processing. Anosike emphasized that empowering these women would strengthen families and communities. She remarked on the significant yet often overlooked contribution of these women to national develop
ment and stressed that their empowerment is a right, not a charity.
Anosike expressed concern over the harassment women traders face from unauthorized individuals imposing illegal levies and sometimes confiscating goods. This not only causes financial losses but also physical harm, highlighting the need for greater awareness of legal rights and protections for informal workers.
Women in the informal sector continue to encounter barriers like limited access to credit and exclusion from decision-making processes, despite their substantial representation in this workforce. Anosike urged collective action from governments, financial institutions, and development partners to address these challenges. She encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and utilize opportunities to improve their businesses.
Mr Daniel Benedict, Head of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit at the FCT-IRS Gwagwalada Tax Office, emphasized the importance of tax compliance for business growth and national development. Speaking
on ‘Taxation, Levies, and Your Rights,’ he urged traders to maintain proper financial records and contribute to government efforts through regular tax payments.
Mr Salihu Muhammad, a Special Adviser and Decentralised Financial Educator, advised business owners to separate their business funds from personal money to effectively monitor growth. He also encouraged embracing innovative ideas to propel business advancement.