The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in peace, security and governance, declaring that sustainable national security depends on the full inclusion of women in decision-making and nation-building.
The Minister made the declaration while delivering her keynote address at the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, where she was also invested as the National Patroness of the association in Abuja.
Describing the summit as both timely and strategic, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended NAWOJ for creating a platform that recognises women’s critical role in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture.
“National security is strengthened when women are empowered to lead, inform, and shape public discourse and decision-making,” she said.
The Minister observed that women and girls remain the most affected by conflicts globally, noting that according to the United Nations, they constitute nearly 90 per cent of displaced populations, while one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
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She stressed that global evidence consistently shows that peace agreements endure longer and governance becomes more inclusive when women participate meaningfully in peacebuilding and security processes.
Against this backdrop, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is implementing transformative policies and programmes to strengthen women’s leadership, expand protection for survivors of gender-based violence and promote women’s participation in governance.
She said the initiatives are anchored on the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child Rights Act, the Women Economic Empowerment Policy (2023), and the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2025–2030).
The Minister further situated the administration’s agenda within President Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, describing the family as the foundation of national stability, cohesion and lasting peace.
She explained that the Ministry’s flagship Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) is designed to strengthen social protection systems and deliver targeted support to vulnerable women, children and families across all 774 Local Government Areas, while the National Child Policy remains central to protecting children from violence, exploitation and neglect.
Highlighting the strategic role of the media, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described women journalists as indispensable partners in promoting peace, accountability and national cohesion.
“Women journalists do far more than report events; they shape narratives, challenge harmful stereotypes, expose injustice, counter misinformation, amplify the voices of the vulnerable, and strengthen public accountability,” she said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Elections, the Minister urged Nigerians, particularly women and young people, to embrace responsible civic participation anchored on unity and peaceful engagement.
“The Power of 10 million voices; One Voice, One Movement, One Choice is not merely a slogan; it is a call to unity, civic responsibility, and purposeful participation,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained.
She stated, “When 10 million voices speak with one purpose, they become a force that shapes outcomes, strengthens institutions, and safeguards the future of our nation.”
Accepting her investiture as NAWOJ National Patron, Sulaiman-Ibrahim pledged deeper collaboration with the association to advance gender-responsive journalism, broaden women’s participation in security discourse and strengthen media advocacy for peace, inclusion and sustainable development.
She also congratulated recipients of the WINSEC Awards for their outstanding service and contributions to national development.
She urged all to collectively build Nigeria by prioritising justice, inclusion, equality, hope for every woman, every family, and every community.
