By Ayoade Esther Damola
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality on the global stage as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development convened the second edition of the Nigerian Women’s Day celebration.
The celebration was held during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.
The event, organised under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, brought together global leaders, diplomats, civil society groups and members of the Nigerian diaspora for dialogue and policy discussions.
Among those in attendance was the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, alongside ministers, gender advocates, entrepreneurs and artists.
The gathering, themed “31 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope,” highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment while reinforcing the administration’s focus on women’s rights, family resilience and inclusive development.
In her remarks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for stronger global commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
She outlined the ministry’s plans under Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 framework, aimed at reaching women across all 774 local government areas of the country.
The Minister explained that the initiative would focus on targeted interventions in areas such as energy access, agriculture, digital inclusion, health and protection, creativity and innovation, leadership, education, child development and family resilience.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged governments, development partners and civil society organisations to move beyond commitments and take concrete steps to improve women’s lives.
She stated, “Transforming women’s lives at scale requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, and coordinated action. There is an urgent need for greater investment in women and girls, both domestically and globally.
“Women’s empowerment is not a social programme; it is an economic strategy, a security strategy, and a development imperative.”
Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Radio WFM 91.7, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, while delivering the welcome address, set the tone for discussions centred on women’s leadership, innovation and international collaboration.
The programme also featured an opening film that showcased the role of women in leadership across different institutions and communities.
Another highlight of the event was a fireside conversation between Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Mohammed, where both leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities facing women and girls across Africa and other parts of the world. Participants also engaged them on ways to strengthen gender equality efforts at both national and global levels.
Three panel sessions were also held during the programme, focusing on global leadership and peace, women’s role in institutions and the economy, and the concept of positive masculinity.
