Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim has called on women and girls to arise and claim their space in shaping the future of the country
The Minister stated this on Friday while briefing Journalists during a media session tagged, “Meet The Press,” a special programme organised by the Media Unit of the State House.
Suleiman-Ibrahim also restated the government’s commitment to strengthening survivor centres for victims of harmful traditional practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation amongst other unhealthy practices against girls and women.
The Minister added that the move is not just a women’s issue but a national crisis that undermines the nation’s collective development.
Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, lauded President Bola Tinubu’s effort for significantly raising budgetary allocation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the Minister of Women Affairs identified the action as the first time in the history of Nigeria that such priority was given to the Ministry.
“Accelerating action demands that we confront the harsh realities facing women and girls in Nigeria today.
“For too long, our interventions have been largely dependent on donor funding; an approach that, while helpful, is neither sustainable nor sufficient.
“True transformation requires nationally owned investments. This is why we commend His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who has, for the first time in the history of the Ministry, significantly raised its budget. This landmark decision signals a new era of government commitment to institutionalizing women’s empowerment as a core pillar of national development.”
She also outlined plans to strengthen legal protections for women and children, with key legislative reforms and advocacy efforts set to mark Nigeria’s 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations.
She disclosed that several crucial laws, which includes the 23-year-old Child Rights Act, the 18-year-old National Child Policy, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, are undergoing reviews to ensure the legal instruments remain relevant.
“All these reforms will establish stronger protection frameworks and instruments for children, especially since we currently do not have a dedicated child development agency. That is one of the things we want to put in place to ensure our children are well protected,” the minister stated.
She further emphasized that the government will intensify efforts to simplify and educate Nigerians on existing laws to improve awareness and compliance.
As part of efforts to promote gender equality, the long-debated Gender Bill is also undergoing review.
The Minister acknowledged that some contentious areas previously hindered its passage, but the government is committed to extensive consultations to secure broader support.
“There were key areas we didn’t agree on collectively, so the bill is undergoing review. This time, we will ensure all stakeholders reach a consensus to improve its chances of passage,” she said.
Acknowledging the critical role of lawmakers in the process, she stated that her office will explore negotiations where necessary and ensure the bill gets expected support.
“We know those who will be voting for this bill, and we will engage them, negotiate where necessary, and ensure they support it. If this Gender Bill passes, it will be revolutionary for women in Nigeria.”
The Minister also stressed the importance of sensitization campaigns to rally support from the public and other stakeholders.
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