‘Investing in women key to economic growth, security’ — Minister
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for increased investment in women and girls, describing women’s empowerment as critical not only for social progress but also for economic growth, national security, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the Nigerian Women’s Day event held during the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York, the minister stressed that meaningful transformation in the lives of women requires deliberate and sustained commitment from governments and development partners.
She said, “Transforming women’s lives at scale requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, and coordinated action. There is an urgent need for greater investment in women and girls, both domestically and globally.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further emphasised that women’s empowerment should be viewed beyond social intervention programmes, noting its strategic importance to national development.
According to her, “Women’s empowerment is not a social programme; it is an economic strategy, a security strategy, and a development imperative.”
In a statement on Monday by the head of media FMWASD, Ahmed Danbazau, the minister outlined the Federal Government’s plan to expand opportunities for women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through interventions targeting agriculture, digital inclusion, health, education, leadership, and family resilience under the Renewed Hope Social Impact programme.
The event attracted global leaders and stakeholders, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, diplomats, civil society organisations, and members of the Nigerian diaspora, who gathered to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and women’s economic participation.
The Nigerian Women’s Day celebration also featured policy discussions, leadership dialogues, and cultural showcases highlighting the role of women in governance, peacebuilding, and economic development.
