The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has stated that women’s leadership is critical to advancing justice, good governance, and sustainable development.
She made the submissions during a high-level strategic fireside dialogue with Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the Nigerian Women’s Day in New York.
“The foundations of human rights, women’s rights, are about justice. When there are injustices, the nation loses. For us in Nigeria, we are holding up more than half the sky.”
Mohammed, highlighting the indispensable role of women in decision-making spaces, called for deliberate measures to increase women’s representation in governance, particularly in the National Assembly.
“When you are in the National Assembly, you have oversight over the budget and the opportunity to make laws that uplift our women. That is why it’s crucial to fight for every seat we can occupy,” she emphasised.
Mohammed also highlighted the connection between gender equality and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She stressed the urgency of inclusive policy interventions in the remaining years leading to the 2030 SDG deadline, cautioning that gaps in women’s access to education, health, and economic opportunities would undermine global development ambitions.
“Without Goal 5 on gender equality, there are no SDGs. Half the world cannot be left behind.”
The UN Deputy Secretary-General outlined practical steps to ensure women’s participation in governance and policy, urging the creation of line items in budgets to support capacity building for women in legislative and administrative roles.
On economic empowerment, Mohammed stressed inclusive growth strategies that integrate women into all stages of production and enterprise.
“It is not enough to provide loans or inputs to women farmers. You need to ensure access across the full value chain, from production to the table, so women can participate fully and benefit from the profits,” she explained.
She also highlighted ongoing UN-backed initiatives to support women’s participation in clean energy, finance, and technology sectors across Nigeria.
Addressing innovation and the digital economy, Mohammed urged policies that place women at the centre of technology adoption and innovation.
The Deputy Secretary-General stressed the importance of mental health and psychosocial support as foundational to sustainable development. Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s northeast, she highlighted local initiatives to address trauma caused by conflict and displacement.
Concluding on leadership, Mohammed reflected on the qualities required to drive sustainable change: courage, conviction, and service. She encouraged women to occupy leadership spaces, support one another, and use their voices effectively.
She said; “If you see a space, take it. Make room for other women. The best companions are other women. Respect them, protect them, and fight together for justice.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim lauded Mohammed’s submissions, emphasizing that women’s participation in governance is not only a matter of representation but a matter of delivering justice and equity. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that build women’s capacity and expand their presence in leadership roles across all sectors.
The fireside dialogue brought together policymakers, young leaders, and development actors, highlighting the intersection of gender, governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
It underscored that women’s empowerment is not merely symbolic but central to achieving justice, inclusive growth, and the full implementation of the SDGs.
