Since Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim assumed office as the Minister of Women Affairs on October 28, 2024, her appointment was believed to signal a new era for gender equality, empowerment, and inclusivity in Nigeria; ENE OSHABA reports.
Commitment
Addressing distinguished guests, partners, and members of the press at her inauguration, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim made it clear that her tenure would not be “business as usual.” Acknowledging the numerous challenges faced by Nigerian women, she declared her commitment to a future where gender equity is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian women, children, and the vulnerable citizens. I stand before you not only as a representative of the government but as a woman, a mother, and a Nigerian with a strong commitment to ensuring that every woman, child, and marginalised group in our nation has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, purpose, and freedom.”
Despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they hold less than 5% of elective positions nationwide and occupy less than 22% of senior leadership roles in the private sector. Imaan’s administration has prioritised bridging this gap through targeted initiatives in education, vocational training, and professional development.
“We are resolved to bridge this gender gap by untangling deeply rooted discriminatory practices,” she stated. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Women Affairs is actively fostering policies that support women’s advancement, ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in all sectors.
The Ministry’s efforts are not limited to policymaking. Imaan’s administration has introduced programmes to empower women economically. With Nigerian women owning 41% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Imaan has emphasised the importance of providing resources, access, and support to these entrepreneurs.
“Imagine what more we could achieve if we provided them with the resources, access, and support they deserve,” she said.
Advocacy for vulnerable groups
Imaan’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond women to children and other vulnerable groups. In November 2024, her proactive intervention in the detention of 52 children accused of treason during the “End Bad Governance” protest demonstrated her dedication to protecting the rights of minors. Visiting the children in detention, she assured them of their safety and advocated for expedited judicial processes in juvenile courts.
According to her, “Every child, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to protection, dignity, and a fair judicial process under the law.”
Her efforts have included collaboration with child protection services to provide psychological counseling, social support, and educational opportunities for the detained children.
In commemoration of Universal Children’s Day 2024, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim highlighted the government’s achievements in promoting the welfare and rights of Nigerian children. The domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) across all 36 states is a landmark achievement, ensuring legal protection for children in alignment with international standards. Complementing this is the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, which strengthens measures to combat abuse, exploitation, and violence against children.
As stated by Grace Njoku, the Ministry’s Director of Press, under Imaan’s leadership, Nigeria has demonstrated a commitment to the Maputo Protocol, implementing legislative reviews and enhancing child protection frameworks. These efforts uphold children’s rights while addressing systemic societal issues such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The allocation of ₦112 billion through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools represents a bold step toward ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable education for all Nigerian children. These investments aim to counter the persistent threats of school-related violence, particularly in underserved and conflict-prone regions.
Ending violence against children
At the recent Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence AgainstChildren in Bogotá, Colombia, Suleiman-Ibrahim solidified Nigeria’s position as a global leader in child rights advocacy. She committed to strengthening the CRA and VAPP Acts, expanding child protection services to reach 2 million children by 2030, and implementing evidence-based parenting programs for 10 million families.
Her advocacy extends beyond policies; it encompasses changing societal mindsets. Through initiatives like anti-bullying campaigns and positive discipline programs, she envisions a Nigeria where schools are havens of safety and inclusion.
Despite strides in curbing societal menaces, Suleiman-Ibrahim identified child labor, trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and barriers to education as persistent challenges hindering the full realisation of children’s rights.
Her approach emphasises collective action, urging parents, educators, policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders to work together to dismantle these barriers. She is also pioneering family-centered interventions, creating supportive environments to address the root causes of abuse and neglect. Programs targeting societal norms like child marriage and FGM are being expanded to foster long-term cultural shifts.
Addressing GBV
One of the cornerstone initiatives of her tenure has been the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). During the launch of the 16 Daysof Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in November 2024, Imaan highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue.
“The fight against gender-based violence is a battle for the soul of our society, which we must win,” she said.
Her administration has collaborated with the Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure swift and fair justice for survivors of GBV. The Ministry is also expanding social services and creating safe spaces for those affected.
Driving climate action through women’s leadership
At COP16 in Riyadh, Suleiman-Ibrahim positioned women as central to climate action. Her speech highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children, who constitute 80% of displaced populations in Nigeria. She advocated for empowering women as agents of change in combating environmental crises.
The Ministry’s Women in Green Economy Programme to be launched in 2025, exemplifies this commitment. It aims to engage women in planting 10 million economic trees, empower one million women in climate-smart agriculture, transition one million households to clean cooking energy, and support 1,000 female-owned climate-friendly startups.
“Investing in women is always a sound investment. When women are given access to resources, they enhance food security, increase family income, and foster community resilience,” she said.
Transformative legacy
Many believe that Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Nigerian women. Her tenure is characterised by bold initiatives, decisive action, and a commitment to inclusivity. From addressing systemic gender inequalities to advocating for the rights of children and survivors of GBV, Imaan is leading a movement that is redefining the narrative of women’s affairs in Nigeria.
“It is indeed Women O’clock in Nigeria,” she often says.
With Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the helm, the future looks brighter for Nigerian women and vulnerable groups, offering hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.
