The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has urged Nigerian women to overcome social, economic and institutional barriers and take their rightful place in national development and democratic participation.
The Minister gave the charge in Abuja at the public presentation of “Rising Beyond Borders”, authored by Dame Esther Uduehi, Founder and BOT Chairperson, League of Women Voters of Nigeria, NILOWV.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the book as more than a biography, saying it captures the courage, conviction and service required to break barriers and create opportunities for others.
She said; “Rising Beyond Borders is more than the title of a book; it is a powerful expression of what happens when courage meets opportunity, when conviction meets service, and when a woman refuses to allow the boundaries placed around her to determine the height to which she can rise.”
The Minister said the progress of Nigerian women should not be measured only by individual accomplishments, but also by the doors they open, voices they amplify and younger women they inspire.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was committed to creating practical pathways for women to acquire skills, access opportunities, build livelihoods, exercise their rights and participate meaningfully in shaping the country’s future.
She stressed that genuine empowerment must combine economic independence, political participation, knowledge and confidence.
She said; “A woman who is economically secure is better positioned to make independent choices. A woman who understands her rights is better equipped to demand accountability. A woman who is represented in decision making is better positioned to influence policies that affect her family and community.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim identified the “10 Million platform” as an important vehicle for connecting women across the country and strengthening their collective voice and civic engagement.
She said the platform would enable women to articulate their priorities, understand public policy, participate responsibly in democratic processes and translate collective concerns into constructive civic action.
The Minister said; “Ten million women are not merely a statistic. They represent mothers, daughters, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, artisans, students, traders, community leaders and caregivers spread across Nigeria.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the platform also provided context for the message, “One Voice. One Movement. One Choice,” which she described as a call for unity of purpose among women across ethnic, religious, regional and socioeconomic lines.
Sha said; “As we approach the 2027 General Elections, this growing mobilisation also brings into focus the language of ‘One Voice. One Movement. One Choice.’ Properly understood, these words speak first to unity of purpose: women coming together across ethnic, religious, regional and socioeconomic lines around shared aspirations for their families and communities.”
The Minister urged women to approach the 2027 electoral process as informed citizens, stressing the importance of examining policies, programmes and commitments before making civic choices.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also challenged young women and girls to draw inspiration from Dame Uduehi’s journey and refuse to allow their circumstances to limit their aspirations.
“Do not allow your circumstances to become the borders of your imagination. Acquire knowledge. Build your skills. Find your voice. Participate. Lead. And when you rise, remember to reach back,” she explained.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on legislators, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector leaders and women’s movements to strengthen women’s economic capacity, leadership pipelines, mentorship and inclusive institutions.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to advance women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic and economic life.
Congratulating Dame Uduehi on the publication, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the book’s greatest value would be in inspiring others to overcome barriers and create pathways for the next generation.
She expressed hope that the book would inspire Nigerian women to rise above division, participate with knowledge and purpose, and contribute to the continuing task of nation-building.
