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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s hands-on approach in tackling the nation’s insecurity, following the successful rescue of all 38 worshippers who were abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, and the recovery of 51 of the missing students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, crediting him for Nigeria’s security forces sustained efforts over recent days.
She praised the vigilance and decisive directives given to security agencies that have begun to yield tangible results in the fight against violence targeting women and children.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence event yesterday, the Minister recounted the grim realities faced by Nigerian women and girls, including the appalling case of a woman who sold 100 babies for N1 million each and a father abusing his seven daughters, while challenging government’s institutions by claiming ownership over them. She shared a heart-wrenching account of a three year-old girl abducted while asleep beside her mother and sexually assaulted by six men, currently undergoing reconstructive surgery.
The Minister emphasised the scale of gender-based violence flourishing under a culture of impunity, referencing recent mass abductions in Kebbi and Niger states and kidnappings targeting female directors aspiring for career growth. Citing troubling statistics, she noted that 28 percent of Nigerian women experience physical violence and seven percent suffer sexual violence, with emotional violence impacting 40 percent of women nationwide. Despite a 149 percent surge in reported cases during and after the COVID-19 lockdown, conviction rates remain below five percent, a gap the ministry aims to close with strengthened judicial and security collaboration.
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Under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she explained that the Ministry was driving impactful programmes, including digital empowerment via the “Happy Woman App” and enhanced institutional frameworks like specialised Gender Desks and Courts. Crucially, an Emergency GBV Response Fund is being prioritised to ensure survivors access safe spaces and support services.
The Minister appealed for unified efforts from the government, civil society, traditional and religious leaders and the media to uphold survivors’ dignity and drive cultural change.
The engagement, held under the global theme, “UNiTE! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” serves as a pivotal call to action, with Nigeria’s vision focused on achieving a safer, empowered nation where women and girls can thrive free from fear. The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ending gender-based violence through concerted national commitment and decisive policy implementation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also revealed the ministry’s plan to mark its 30th anniversary by recognising and awarding 30 outstanding individuals who have contributed significantly to advancing women’s rights. She also announced a renewal of the Child Rights Act after five years, highlighting the ongoing commitment to legislative reform.
