By Queen Kunde
Nigeria has taken center stage in the global push for gender equality as Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, delivered a powerful address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to dismantling discrimination and empowering women and girls.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Minister hailed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a “transformative vision” and emphasized that Nigeria remains fully committed to making gender equality a lived reality, not just an aspiration.
In her speech, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s progress over the past three decades: increased school enrolment for girls, women breaking barriers in leadership, stronger legislation against gender-based violence, and expanded opportunities for women in business, science, and governance. She, however, acknowledged lingering challenges including systemic inequality, climate change, conflict, and the digital divide that threaten to slow progress.
Outlining Nigeria’s renewed agenda, she identified education as the country’s most vital investment, describing it as the surest pathway out of poverty. She announced major initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Women Agro-Value Expansion Programme, which aims to empower 10 million women across the agricultural value chain, alongside expanded social impact interventions that place women and children at the heart of Nigeria’s Agenda 2050.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, pledging stronger laws, survivor support, and cultural reforms to engage men and boys as allies in the fight against abuse. She further underscored deliberate policies to expand women’s voices in leadership through Special Reserved Seats in governance.
“The verdict of history is clear,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared. “Nations that empower women are more prosperous, more peaceful, and more resilient. Gender equality is not just a human right; it is an economic imperative, a social necessity, and the foundation of sustainable development and peace.”
Her message received wide acclaim as she called on the international community to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and transform promises into tangible results.
“Let this 80th General Assembly be remembered for its actions,” she urged. “Nigeria stands ready to work with all nations, civil society, and the private sector to fulfill the promise of Beijing for every woman, for every girl, everywhere.”
