Overview

The document is a speech by Prof. Chukwuma C. Soludo, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, presented at the 2008 International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Week in Owerri, Imo State. It discusses the need for an inclusive economy for Nigerian women, highlighting that women constitute about 70% of the poor, provide 70% of agricultural labor, but have less than 5% bank account ownership and limited access to formal financial services. The speech outlines conditions for an all-inclusive economy, including macroeconomic stability and robust financial infrastructure. It reviews past failed initiatives like the Rural Banking Programme, People's Bank, and SMEEIS, which had low utilization and urban bias. Current CBN initiatives aim to improve access to finance, but challenges such as women's lack of collateral and property rights remain. The way forward includes microfinance banks, tailored products, financial literacy, and legal reforms. The goal is to achieve Nigeria's Vision 2020 and the Millennium Development Goals.

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