The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has restated its commitment to promote access to decent work and social protection, to reduce poverty in the state.

Mrs. Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated this on Thursday at a programme organised to celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is marked every Oct. 17 globally to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider society.

Dada said:” Poverty is not just about income levels; it is a multidimensional issue that affects individuals and communities in various ways.

“I must reiterate here that ensuring women have access to decent work and social protection is crucial for reducing poverty and also promoting gender equality.

“This is a vision we work earnestly to achieve despite pressing cultural phenomena that have long existed as norms and practices.

“This programme serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to address poverty and inequality, ensuring that everyone has access to decent work and social protection.

”We are committed to empowering women and vulnerable individuals, even as we provide them with the opportunities and support which they need to escape poverty”.

According to the Commissioner, the state government has empowered thousands of women through vocational skills, entrepreneurship trainings and access to microcredit loan.

She added that the government social protection programmes such as access to quality healthcare, education, and financial sustainability for vulnerable women residents were among the measures put in place to eradicate poverty.

Bolaji, however, urged corporate organisations and the civil society to collaborate with the state government to lift more people out of poverty.