By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has marked her first 100 days in office with a strong commitment to women empowerment, child protection, and gender equality. Addressing the media at a press briefing in Abuja on February 7, 2025, she outlined key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans aimed at transforming the lives of Nigerian women and children.
Reflecting on her journey so far, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for a transformational approach to tackle gender-based challenges. She shared a moving experience of holding a four-year-old survivor of abuse, which reinforced her commitment to strengthening child protection laws and services. “That moment changed me forever,” she said, stressing that her administration is focused on actionable solutions rather than mere policy discussions.
At the core of her vision is a bold agenda to economically empower 10 million women by 2027, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of a $1 trillion economy. To achieve this, the ministry has launched the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, targeting 4.5 million women across all 36 states and the FCT, providing them with financial literacy, business development training, and cooperative support. Additionally, the MOWA-SARA Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme, in collaboration with WEMA Bank, is training 500,000 women in vocational skills and entrepreneurship, starting with 2,500 trainees in Kano State.
Beyond economic empowerment, the Ministry has taken decisive steps to protect Nigerian children, launching a Child Rights Act Review Committee to harmonize and strengthen child protection laws. Nationwide consultations are underway for the development of a National Child Protection Framework, and plans are in motion to establish a dedicated institution for Child Protection and Development. The Minister also announced a nationwide campaign to provide menstrual hygiene kits to 10,000 girls, ensuring they stay in school with dignity.
The fight against gender-based violence (GBV) remains a priority, with Nigeria making a global pledge at the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia. The commitment includes providing comprehensive support to 2 million at-risk children by 2030 and delivering evidence-based parenting programs to 10 million families. The Minister also revealed that Nigeria will take a leadership role at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, hosting six high-impact sessions on women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and child protection.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, the Ministry is spearheading efforts to transition 1 million households from firewood-based cooking to clean energy solutions. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, Nigeria will advocate for gender-responsive climate action, ensuring that women’s voices and solutions are central to adaptation strategies.
Strengthening governance and collaboration has also been a key focus. The Minister has engaged with Commissioners for Women Affairs across all 36 states, improving policy alignment and program implementation at the grassroots level. Additionally, the establishment of the High-Level Presidential Advisory Council on Women and Girls (HLAC) will ensure gender-focused programs remain a national priority.
In closing, Hon. Suleiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to advance the rights and well-being of Nigerian women and children. “The time for incremental progress is over. The time for bold action is now. It is Women O’ Clock,” she declared, calling for stronger partnerships, faster implementation, and a collective push toward gender equality.
