Nigeria unveils major women empowerment initiatives at UN summit
Nigeria has unveiled major initiatives to strengthen women’s empowerment, expand social protection and promote gender equality. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced the initiatives while
Nigeria has unveiled major initiatives to strengthen women’s empowerment, expand social protection and promote gender equality.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced the initiatives while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the 70th session of the United Nations' (UN) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
She said the programmes aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises family welfare, women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
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Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the country's social protection coverage has expanded from fewer than one million households in 2015 to nearly 10 million households in 2026, with women accounting for over 70 per cent of beneficiaries.
“This represents one of the most significant expansions of social protection in Nigeria’s post-independence history,” she said.
The minister also highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 (RHSI-774) programme, which focuses on livelihood support, clean energy, access to finance, digital inclusion and social protection.
She said the Women Digital Harmony Initiative, which includes the Happy Woman App, will connect over 20 million women to government support, mentorship and economic opportunities.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that Nigeria has strengthened its response to gender-based violence through a national safeguard mechanism, including a National Electronic Dashboard to improve coordination and accountability.
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She said the government was also promoting the care economy through policies that recognise unpaid care work and expand childcare and eldercare services.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s efforts were supported by legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, the Child Rights Act 2003, and the National Gender Policy.
She said an affirmative procurement system has been introduced to improve access for women-owned businesses to public contracts.
While women’s representation in parliament remains below 10 per cent, she said the proposed Reserved Special Seats Bill could significantly increase women’s participation in elective offices.
