Commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day, with the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said the commemoration is a moment to propel gender equality into tangible and measurable progress.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, the Minister stated that the International Women’s Day is a global observance, born out of the struggles of women for equality, better working atmosphere, and the right to vote.
According to her, it’s a call to take deliberate, decisive and bold action to break barriers, close gaps, ensuring that Nigerian women and girls are empowered to take their rightful position in the society.
Hajiya Imaan noted that accelerating action requires confronting the harsh realities that women and girls in Nigeria are faced with.
She further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for significantly raising the Ministry’s budget, reflecting federal government’s commitment to institutionalising women as a pillar of national development.
While lamenting over the challenges Nigeria women are facing, the Minister revealed that over 30% of Nigerian women aged 15 – 49 have experienced physical violence, and one in four girls has been sexually abused before age 18, including harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
She urged every Nigerian woman to take the opportunity of the International Women’s Day to strengthen the unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to tackling the legacy challenges that has held them from realising their full potential.
“For me, it is a critical moment to propel gender equality into tangible and measurable progress. It is a rallying call for deliberate, decisive, and bold action to break barriers, close gaps, and empower Nigerian women and girls to take their rightful place in every sphere of our society.
“As you may be aware, International Women’s Day is a global observance that dates back to the early 1900s, born out of the struggles of women for equality, better working conditions, and the right to vote.
“Over the years, it has evolved into a day not just for celebration, but for reflection, advocacy, and action in the pursuit of gender equality.
“For Nigeria, this day holds profound significance as we recognize the remarkable contributions of women to national development while acknowledging the persistent challenges they continue to face”, she added.
The Minister said while Nigeria has made significant progress in enacting gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, full implementation remains a challenge.
According to her, 35 states have domesticated the VAPP Act, while 34 states have adopted the Child Rights Act – a step in the right direction but not yet enough.
“We need full compliance, effective enforcement, and accountability to ensure that the rights enshrined in these laws are a lived reality for every Nigerian woman and girl”, she added.
Spark News Daily reports that
International Women’s Day is celebrated on every 8 March.
