Abuja:Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, has called upon Nigerian women to engage in informed, responsible, and purposeful participation as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim made this appeal during the public presentation of ‘Rising Beyond Borders,’ a book by Dr. Esther Uduehi, founder and chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria. She emphasized that women’s empowerment should extend beyond mere participation to include building capacity, confidence, knowledge, and economic independence, enabling them to influence national development effectively.
The minister highlighted the importance of political and economic empowerment advancing together, allowing women to make independent choices and influence policies impacting their families and communities. She discussed the proposed 10 million platforms aimed at connecting women nationwide and enhancing grassroots civic engagement, thereby enabling women to understand public policy and participate responsibly in democratic processes.
Emphasizing unity across various divides, Sulaiman-Ibrahim encouraged women to make electoral choices based on issues, values, and national development. She stressed the importance of being informed, engaging constructively, demanding accountability, and contributing to community and national development, beyond just voting on election days.
The minister also urged young women and girls to draw inspiration from ‘Rising Beyond Borders,’ encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and not to let circumstances limit their aspirations. She called on policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to bolster women’s economic capacity and leadership development.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in governance for democratic development. He highlighted the role of responsible voting, engaging with public institutions, demanding accountability, and educating citizens as integral parts of democratic participation.
The book reviewer, Prof. Funmi Para-Mallam, described ‘Rising Beyond Borders’ as a reflection of the Nigerian woman’s journey, capturing the complexities and realities they face while demonstrating resilience and purpose. Dr. Esther Uduehi, the author, encouraged women to support credible female candidates and participate actively in politics, emphasizing determination in overcoming obstacles.
Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, National President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, described the book as an important record of women’s achievements and struggles. She urged its adoption as a resource for leadership, democracy, and gender studies, and renewed support for the Special Seats for Women Bill, advocating for greater female representation in Nigeria’s democratic development.