EKEDC, MasterCard, others partner United States to foster Women In Sustainable Economy Initiative

By Chioma Obinagwam

As part of its resolve towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5), which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, the MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Dr. Tinuade Sanda, last week participated at the launch of the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) Initiative.

Confiance News gathered from the official X handle of the company on Thursday.

The launch was spearheaded by Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States.

“The initiative is dedicated to enhancing global women’s economic empowerment through increased access to employment, leadership positions, training, and financial resources in industries crucial to the world’s future. The flagship of this initiative aims to elevate women’s economic opportunities and enhance the leadership capabilities of organizational leaders in the energy sector.

“Notable figures present at the event included Michael Miebach, CEO of MasterCard and Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States and the husband of Vice-President, Kamala Harris as well as the Vice President, Kamala Harris,” the statement disclosed.

Confiance News also learnt from a statement issued by the White House that Harris noted the launch comes with a commitment of over $900 million towards actualizing the goal.

“The Vice President is announcing more than $900 million in commitments by governments, private sector companies, foundations, and civil society to bolster women’s economic participation in sectors such as clean energy, fisheries, recycling, forest management, and environmental conservation,” the statement disclosed.

Confiance News recalls that in line with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality and the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security, it builds on the Vice President’s work earlier this year in Ghana, when she announced $1 billion in investments to advance the economic empowerment of women globally, including a focus on closing the digital gender divide.

“In the past eight months, the Vice President’s leadership has galvanized more than $2.4 billion in investments to advance the economic status of women around the world,” the statement revealed.