By Prosper Mene
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has urged the nation to forge a stronger, unified commitment to amplifying women’s voices in political decision-making. Speaking at the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development (NCWACD) in Benin City, the Minister emphasized that true national progress hinges on dismantling barriers to women’s political participation, framing it as an “urgent national emergency” rather than a mere policy footnote.
The two-day council, hosted by the Edo State government and attended by commissioners from all 36 states, governors’ representatives, and development partners, served as a pivotal platform for aligning federal and subnational efforts. “Women’s political inclusion is not a luxury, it’s a strategic imperative for inclusive growth, peace, and electoral integrity,” Suleiman-Ibrahim declared, calling for immediate action on legislative reforms, enhanced funding, and grassroots mobilization. She highlighted the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu as a blueprint for change, praising its focus on economic renewal, education, and social investments that prioritize women.
Central to her address was a renewed push for the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill,” currently under deliberation in the National Assembly. The legislation, which proposes dedicated parliamentary seats for women to bridge the gender gap, was described by the Minister as a “matter of justice, representation, and securing the future for our daughters.” She commended the 10th Assembly’s leadership for sustaining the conversation, noting that Nigeria’s current female parliamentary representation, hovering around 4%, lags far behind global benchmarks, where women hold just 26.5% of seats worldwide, according to UN Women data.
The Minister’s remarks echo broader commitments from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which on November 19 pledged to bolster subnational support for gender equality. Led by NGF Director General Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, the governors affirmed their dedication to inclusive governance, including the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy and expanded programs like the Nigeria for Women Project. State commissioners, including Edo’s Hon. Mrs. Eugenia Abdullah, outlined five key pledges: policy harmonization, increased women in leadership roles, data-driven initiatives, peer learning networks, and stronger ties with international partners.
Suleiman-Ibrahim also spotlighted the ministry’s flagship Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII-774), now active in all 774 local government areas. These initiatives aim to revitalize rural economies, promote community inclusion, and deliver gender-responsive services, with a special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities and informal sector workers. “This is about restoring dignity, one woman, one family, one community at a time,” she said, underscoring the need for inter-sectoral collaboration to translate policies into tangible outcomes.
The timing of the council aligns with global milestones in 2025, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights and the UN’s Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. Yet, challenges persist: Globally, women comprise only 22.9% of cabinet ministers, with Nigeria’s figures even lower in key portfolios like finance and defense. Domestically, barriers such as violence against women in politics, limited party nominations, and resource disparities continue to stifle progress, as noted in recent UNDP reports.
Stakeholders at the event, including civil society leaders and UN representatives, hailed the Minister’s call as a “game-changer.” Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reinforced the message: “Our collective will must drive accountability and action, ensuring no woman is left behind in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
As the NCWACD concludes today, delegates are expected to adopt resolutions mandating state-level implementation timelines. For Suleiman-Ibrahim, the path forward is clear: “Women’s voices are the nation’s power. Let’s commit—not just in words, but in deeds—to build an equitable Nigeria where every seat at the table reflects our diverse strength.”
