In her inaugural address, Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has laid out an ambitious roadmap to achieve gender parity, pledging targeted action against longstanding inequalities.
Speaking Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized her resolve to dismantle the systemic barriers faced by Nigerian women, who, despite making up nearly half the population, remain underrepresented in key leadership roles and political positions.
“We’re here to break down deeply rooted discriminatory practices,” the minister affirmed, noting that while women comprise about half of Nigeria’s population, they hold less than five percent of elected offices and under 22 percent of senior leadership roles in the private sector.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for her appointment, following a recent cabinet reshuffle that saw her assume the role from Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined her ministry’s goals to foster equality through skills development, entrepreneurial support, and expanded employment and political participation for women.
“Our mission is driven by policies that uplift women through education, vocational training, and leadership development,” she said, vowing to work closely with lawmakers and civil society to eliminate discriminatory laws and ensure fair access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
As Nigeria approaches key milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the minister announced plans for a comprehensive report assessing the country’s gender equality progress.
“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about transforming social norms,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted, stressing that coordinated efforts across government agencies, private sector, and international partners are crucial for maximizing resources and minimizing duplicative efforts.
Her blueprint includes collaborating with law enforcement to protect women and children from abuse and trafficking, expanding social services, and creating safe spaces for survivors of violence. She committed to ensuring that Nigerian women are not only heard but fully represented in governance, aspiring for Nigeria to lead Africa in gender equity.
Acknowledging that her goals are “ambitious,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged all sectors to unite in creating a Nigeria where both men and women have equal opportunities to thrive, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to international gender equality standards and inspiring hope for a fairer future.
