Women Affairs Minister Unveils Strategic Action Plan – Eyes 100bn Emergency Support Fund to Empower Women and Children

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has disclosed its plan to establish a N100bn emergency fund to support Nigerian women and children affected by crisis.

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman, stated this at the High-Level Event on “Collaborative Pathways to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Roadmap” held in Abuja on Friday, said that the ambition is expected to take effect from 2025. She said that the source for the fund would not be limited to the budget of the ministry but would include supports from development partners and other government agencies.

Hon. Imaan noted that the need for a national action plan on the development of women and children is very important and would ignite speedy progress, meanwhile she assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to address relevant needs.

Lamenting the 2024 report of the United Nations Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on education access, Hon. Imaan stated that the goal of the ministry is to provide support to families of 10.5 million out-of-school children, with girls making up 60%, to ensure they are enrolled and stay in school.

The Minister added that child labor, trafficking, and abuse remain prevalent in the country, stating that 4 out of 10 girls are married or in a union before the age of 18, an act that perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits their future opportunities.

She called on all stakeholders to support the ambition to implement transformative programs that empower, protect children, and foster sustainable development for women and girls.

Speaking also at the event, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Elsie Attafuah, reaffirmed her dedication to creating a society where every woman and girl can thrive.

Represented by the Gender Lead, UNDP Nigeria, Ms. Onyinye Ndubuisi stated that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but a prerequisite for sustainable development and societal progress.

“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.

“This roadmap provides us with a strategic framework to
reaffirm our shared commitment to gender justice, mobilize decisive action to protect and empower women and girls, strengthen partnerships to amplify impact, and
foster collaboration to ensure no woman or girl is left behind.

“UNDP Nigeria stands ready to support the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and stakeholders in translating this vision into measurable structural and systemic results. Today, this roadmap offers us the frame to collectively drive transformative change.“ she said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, remarked that the partnership is a significant milestone in their collective journey towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Nigeria, where every woman and girl can thrive, contribute meaningfully to society, and achieve her full potential.

The “Pathways to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Roadmap” that we unveil today is not just a framework; it is a call to action. 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. Through this roadmap, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs seeks to strengthen partnerships, inspire decisive action, and ensure that our national priorities reflect the needs, aspirations, and rights of women and girls across Nigeria.

“As we embark on today’s discussions, let us remember the immense power of collaboration. Change cannot happen in isolation. It requires a concerted effort from every stakeholder—government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and grassroots organizations. Together, we can dismantle the barriers that perpetuate gender disparities, amplify the voices of the marginalized, and create pathways for women and girls to flourish in all spheres of life.“ the PS added.

Other stakeholders that attended the event were the former ministers of women affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, members of the diplomatic corps and other top government functionaries and key development partners.