Abuja: The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has paid tribute to the historic struggles and triumphs of Nigerian women, from the Aba Women’s Protest of 1929 to the women’s coalitions of the 1990s. Delivering the keynote address on ‘Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action’ at the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025), held in Abuja, the minister stated: ‘Collective action has always been the force behind progress and justice in Nigeria. From history to the present, women have shown that when we stand together, we can bend the arc of justice towards equity and fairness.’
According to Voice of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored the urgency of passing the Reserved Seats Bill, stressing that women’s representation in governance remains alarmingly low. ‘Women currently occupy less than 6% of seats in the National Assembly. This is far below both global and African standards, and it calls for urgent corrective action through the Reserved Seats Bill,’ she said.
The Minister further linked women’s empowerment to the national economic agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision. ‘Nigeria cannot attain a $1 trillion economy without fully unlocking the power of women. The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is already proof that when women are empowered economically, entire communities rise,’ the Minister added.
The Minister also delivered goodwill messages on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Presenting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message, she said: ‘Nigerian women are the heartbeat of our nation’s resilience. This administration remains unwaveringly committed to inclusivity, family protection, and the empowerment of women as equal partners in development.’ She also presented Vice President Kashim Shettima’s goodwill message, which reaffirmed the government’s position: ‘We are committed to unlocking the full potential of Nigerian women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and drivers of national renewal,’ the Vice President stated.
The minister was honoured with an Award of Recognition for ‘championing empowerment and advancement of women in Nigeria’ and for her exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to women’s empowerment. Responding, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim pledged to sustain the momentum. ‘This award is not for me alone but for every Nigerian woman striving for justice, equity, and dignity. I will continue to champion the cause of women until our collective voices shape every level of governance and development,’ she affirmed. She also announced her personal support for the training of 10 female journalists through Women Radio to strengthen women’s voices in the media space.
The conference was graced by eminent personalities, including Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs.