From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Ministry of Women Affairs has unveiled the ground-breaking blueprint of its empowerment roadmap for 2024–2027, in a major step forward for gender equality.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, unveiled the ministry’s vision and ambitious goals for the next four years at a high-level stakeholders’ event in Abuja, themed, “Collaborative Pathways to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Roadmap.”
The Minister stressed that close cooperation with communities, MDAs, development partners, and the global community is necessary to fulfil the ministry’s mission and goals.
She highlighted several important obstacles that Nigeria has in attaining gender equality, such as: 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is a high rate of maternal mortality (WHO, 2023); gender-based violence: one in four girls experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, and 33% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 experience physical violence (NDHS, 2018). Little political involvement as only 3.6% of women hold seats in the parliament. Economic barriers: 41% of women-led MSMEs have difficulty accessing markets and financing, while just 47% of women have bank accounts (NBS, 2023). 67.8% of homes use firewood extensively, which poses health problems (NBS, 2024).
The ministry’s roadmap includes a comprehensive campaign to provide menstrual hygiene products and education to 10 million girls and women, ensuring that essential health needs are met. Additionally, the ministry aims to empower 10 million women economically, contributing to the goal of building a $1 trillion economy.
Recognizing the impact of gender-based violence, the ministry plans to offer psychosocial, legal, and reintegration support to 200,000 survivors each year. Furthermore, it seeks to enrol 2 million out-of-school children, with a particular focus on girls, into safe learning environments.
To bolster agricultural productivity, the ministry will train 1 million female smallholder farmers in climate-resilient practices. In an effort to promote environmental sustainability, it aims to transition 1 million households to clean and sustainable cooking energy sources.
Another crucial target is to reduce maternal mortality rates by 20 percent and establish six specialist hospitals dedicated to women and children’s health. The ministry also plans to train and deploy 50,000 social workers and caregivers to support vulnerable families across the nation.
Through cooperation and resource mobilisation, the minister urged the international community, development partners, and stakeholders to support the ministry’s initiatives. She underlined the significance of bolstering institutional capacity, improving advocacy, and fortifying policies in order to close gender gaps, safeguard women and children, and guarantee sustainable development.
“This roadmap is a shared vision for a Nigeria where women and children can survive, thrive, and prosper,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said, adding, “Together, we can create a legacy of empowerment and equity for generations to come.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Gabriel Aduda stressed that the roadmap, “Pathways to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” is not just a framework, it is a strategic blueprint that lays out actionable steps to address the systemic barriers that have held women and girls back for far too long.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Elsie Attauah stated “At UNDP, we believe that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right; it is also a precondition for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity. Nigeria has made notable strides, yet we know there is much more to be done.”
In order to guarantee that no woman or girl is left behind, Attauah, who was represented by Gender Lead at UNDP, Onyinye Ndubuisi, underlined the organization’s dedication to promoting gender justice, highlighting the necessity of swift action to safeguard and empower them, fortifying alliances to increase their impact, and encouraging cooperation.
The UN Women Representative in Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, stated that gender based violence extends beyond physical harm and that its costs Nigeria 1.5 percent of its GDP.
She cited UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed as an example of the accomplished Nigerian women on the global stage in spite of obstacles, noting that this highlights the skills and knowledge of Nigerian women.
She regretted that although Nigerian women are successful abroad, they are underprivileged at home.
Eyong also urged continued advocacy following the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and reaffirmed UN Women’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Well, respecting women means fighting for the rights they should have for our loved ones. Therefore, as a man, I firmly support equality between men and women and support women in achieving the status they deserve, because I don’ t want the women in my relatives to be subjected to unfair treatment.
Director, China Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, in his speech emphasized the importance of gender equality for national development. He congratulated the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for hosting the event, highlighting that women’s rights are crucial for social progress.
Yang noted that in China, women are regarded as “half of the sky,” with legal protections ensuring their rights to education and work. He urged men to advocate for women’s rights, reflecting on the significant contributions of women to China’s achievements.
Yang called for a collaborative effort towards a world where men and women enjoy equal status.