Abuja:The 10 million Nigerian women initiative is being organized into a formidable grassroots movement to enhance women’s participation in democracy and inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Minister shared this information at a forum held by the National Council For Women Societies Nigeria on the topic of Nigerian Women as Catalysts for Peace, Democracy, and Inclusive Governance in Abuja. The initiative, named “The Power of 10 Million One Voice, One Movement, One Choice,” aims to organize women into structured ward-level clusters across polling units and local government areas nationwide.
The initiative seeks to harmonize the national policy manifesto, link Women Affinity Groups and community networks for civic mobilization, and ensure that Nigerian women use their voting power to support inclusive governance and legislative representation. The Minister emphasized that the initiative is designed to convert women’s numerical strength into significant democratic influence, aiming for active participation in shaping history in 2027.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the administration’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to move women’s empowerment from sentiment to measurable institutional impact. This includes the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and the President’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development. The Minister also announced recent Federal Executive Council approvals for national policies aimed at supporting women and families.
The Ministry is working on the Special Seats Bill to secure permanent representation for women in legislatures, and Nigerian women are increasingly taking leadership roles in various public sectors. The Minister also mentioned initiatives designed to support 50 million women, children, and vulnerable citizens, and efforts to expand Sexual Assault Referral Centres and update relevant legislation.
The Minister concluded by underscoring the importance of women’s economic and political inclusion for sustainable peace and called for ongoing collaboration to advance peace, democracy, and shared prosperity.