Nigeria, Oct. 31 -- At a virtual forum hosted by The Alternative Bank to mark the International Day for Rural Women, stakeholders have called for more substantial investment in rural women and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as catalysts for inclusive economic growth and national resilience.

The call was made in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

Development experts, policymakers, and private-sector leaders who spoke at the event emphasised that rural women play a central role in sustaining Nigeria's food systems and local economies but continue to face barriers such as limited access to finance, digital tools, and education.

They urged both government and financial institutions to design policies that prioritise ...