From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the critical role women must play in designing and leading sustainable cities of the future.
She spoke during a high-level dialogue on women’s leadership, highlighting the disproportionate impact of urbanisation and climate change on women and girls.
‘Too often, women are seen as beneficiaries of urban planning and environmental policies rather than as decision-makers, innovators, and architects of change,’ Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted.
‘Yet, the evidence is clear: when women lead, cities become more liveable, economic growth becomes more inclusive, and environmental policies become more effective.’
The Minister underscored the urgency of integrating gender-responsive policies into urban governance, citing Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Cities for CEDAW Coalition.
She announced that seven Nigerian states have formally committed to advancing gender-sensitive urban policies, driving inclusive climate action, and setting measurable targets for reporting at international forums.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the need for deliberate actions to ensure gender-balanced representation, invest in women-led climate solutions, and make gender data central to urban planning.
‘We must take deliberate action to ensure gender-balanced representation in urban governance. Women must not just be beneficiaries but decision-makers shaping urban policies and climate action,’ she said.
Nigeria’s commitment aligns with broader efforts to address urbanisation challenges. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has also called for inclusive and sustainable city development, noting that urban centres contribute significantly to environmental challenges like carbon emissions.
The Cities Alliance, a global organisation, supports these efforts by advocating for gender-responsive urban planning, which ensures cities serve everyone equitably. Evidence shows that when women are involved in designing urban spaces, the result is safer, more accessible, and more inclusive communities.
As global leaders adopt bold declarations for women’s rights at CSW69, the focus on gender equality in urban development remains crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.