Nigeria has highlighted its major initiatives aimed at empowering women and strengthening social development during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women held in New York, with the Federal Government reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, presented the country’s progress and ongoing programmes while leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the international gathering.
Details of the engagement were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ahmed Danbazau.
According to the statement, the minister used the global platform to outline several policies and programmes introduced by the Federal Government to improve the welfare and socio-economic opportunities available to women, children and vulnerable groups across the country.
Addressing participants at the meeting on behalf of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the government was implementing wide-ranging reforms designed to strengthen social protection systems and enhance women’s participation in economic and public life.
She emphasised that Nigeria remained committed to addressing gender disparities through targeted empowerment initiatives, policy reforms and partnerships with both local and international organisations.
The minister explained that the programmes being implemented by the government were focused on improving access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and legal protection for women and children.
She further stressed that empowering women is central to achieving sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also informed the gathering that Nigeria aligned itself with the collective position of the African Group during deliberations at the conference.
According to her, the country supports efforts by African nations to strengthen global commitments toward gender equality, social justice and the protection of the rights of women and girls.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing key priorities such as women empowerment, inclusive justice, rights protection and sustainable development.
The minister noted that Nigeria recognises the important role women play in national development and that the government is working to create an enabling environment where women can thrive in various sectors including business, politics, education and technology.
She highlighted that several initiatives under the ministry are aimed at promoting financial inclusion for women, expanding access to skills development and supporting female entrepreneurs across the country.
In addition, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the government has continued to strengthen mechanisms for protecting women and children against violence and discrimination.
She explained that these measures form part of broader national efforts to promote social stability, economic progress and community development.
The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women brought together government officials, civil society leaders, policymakers and international organisations to review progress made globally in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Participants at the event also discussed strategies for addressing emerging challenges affecting women’s rights and opportunities in different parts of the world.
Observers say Nigeria’s participation at the meeting reflects its intention to play a more active role in global discussions on gender equality while also sharing lessons from its domestic initiatives.
The minister expressed optimism that continued collaboration between governments, development partners and civil society groups would accelerate progress in improving the lives of women and girls.
She also encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to building inclusive societies where women are given equal opportunities to contribute to economic development and decision-making processes.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to policies and programmes that support the empowerment of women, strengthen family structures and promote sustainable development for future generations.
