By Nkechi Eze
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, marked her 100th day in office with a special press briefing, where she outlined her key accomplishments, strategic objectives, and unwavering dedication to empowering, protecting, and including women, children, and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
As a seasoned expert in security, conflict resolution, and humanitarian affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim brings a wealth of experience to her role, previously serving as the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the importance of adopting a new approach that goes beyond the status quo, focusing instead on a transformative plan that yields tangible results and fundamental changes. “With over 100 million Nigerian women and girls, and millions more children and vulnerable populations looking to us for leadership, action, and results, we must drive a transformational agenda that truly empowers, protects, and uplifts those we serve,” she stated.
She outlined its key priorities and initiatives, with a strong focus on economic empowerment. The Minister aims to economically empower 10 million women by 2027, a goal that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy. This ambitious target is expected to not only improve the lives of women but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
This will be supported by the World Bank-backed “Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project,” targeting 4.5 million women across all 36 states and the FCT with financial literacy, business development, and cooperative structures.
The MOWA-SARA Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme, in collaboration with WEMA Bank, she disclosed is set to train 500,000 women in vocational skills, business entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.
To address the financing gap, Sulieman-Ibrahim, is working on developing a National Microfinance framework, specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
According to the Hon. Minister, in order to protect the Nigerian children, she has established a Child Rights Act Review Committee to harmonize and modernize Nigeria’s child protection laws, addressing issues such as child marriage, trafficking, abuse, and violence.
“A nationwide stakeholder consultations have commenced for a National Child Protection Framework, and the ministry is exploring the establishment of a dedicated institution for Child Protection and Development. She said.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to eradicating violence against women and children during the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, reiterating the country’s commitment to this critical cause.
Also, she made a commitment on behalf of the nation to provide comprehensive support services to 2 million vulnerable children who are at risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation by 2030. Additionally, she pledged to deliver evidence-based parenting programs to 10 million families by 2030, aiming to foster a safer and more nurturing environment for children to thrive.
Suliaman-Ibrahim added that Nigeria will make a unified appearance at CSW69 in New York, leading global conversations on gender equality and women’s empowerment. She added that the nation will also participate in COP29 in Azerbaijan, advocating for gender-responsive climate action.
The ministry, she added has strengthened engagement with state governments and convened the High-Level Presidential Advisory Council on Women and Girls (HLAC) to drive and coordinate gender-focused programmes.
To mark Universal Children’s Day 2024, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim showcased the government’s efforts to promote child welfare.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim wrapped up her address with a powerful message, stressing that gender equality is the cornerstone of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. She urged for collaborative efforts, swift action, and a unified front in advancing gender and social development. In a call to action, she declared, “The time for gradual progress is behind us; it’s time for bold, decisive action, and that time is now.”
