Bukola Afeni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Minister of Women Affairs is a masterstroke of uncommon proportions. This reform-minded, results-driven public servant is leaving an indelible mark in the lives of millions of Nigerian women. With a laser-like focus on economic empowerment, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim is building a formidable army of women who will be eternal advocates for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A PHILOSOPHY OF EMPOWERMENT
The Minister’s mantra is simple yet profound; she has been empowering women economically, and the ripple effects has been felt across families, communities, and the nation.
This belief is the driving force behind a series of groundbreaking initiatives and transformative policies that are systematically dismantling obstacles to female prosperity.
The Minister’s approach is holistic, championing women’s empowerment across all economic sectors and value chains where they often toil without being properly lifted.
This is best exemplified by a few of her flagship projects under the aptly named Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions across the 774 Local Governments (RH-SII774).
The projects are targeted and highly specific interventions to bridge the various gaps women face across the socioeconomic space.
BLAZING THE TRAIL THROUGH AGRICULTURAL EMPOWERMENT
The Minister through the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Initiative has recognized that women make up nearly 70% of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce. WAVE is designed to move them from subsistence farming to agri-preneurship. The program provides a holistic package of support, including access to finance, skills development, market linkages, and technology, thereby creating a new generation of female agricultural leaders who can significantly contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
THE POWERHER774 INITIATIVE
The program is addressing energy poverty in a transformative way.
In collaboration with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the ministry provides three million women across all 774 local government areas with access to clean, affordable energy solutions like solar systems and clean-cooking stoves. This initiative not only improves health and safety but also boosts economic productivity and financial inclusion.
A NEW ERA OF GOVERNANCE AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s approach to governance is visionary, data-driven, and committed to delivering measurable impact. Her leadership has brought renewed clarity and vigor to Nigeria’s national gender agenda, positioning the nation as a global voice on gender equity. With over 30 transformative policies in the pipeline, including the National Care Economy Framework and Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management policy, the Minister is redefining what it means to be a champion of women’s empowerment.
This ambitious agenda is rooted in a meticulous review of existing laws and frameworks, the introduction of new policies, and the provision of clear implementation plans.
INTEGRATING CARE ECONOMY INTO NATIONAL PLANNING
Through the National Care Economy Framework, the Minister seeks to enact policy that formalize and value the unpaid care work predominantly done by women; from childcare to elder care.
By integrating the care economy into national planning, government can create opportunities for women to participate more fully in the formal labor market and access social protection benefits.
MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
The Minister is ensuring that millions of girls and women are not held back from education and economic participation by prioritizing menstrual health and hygiene management.
She made this a national priority, with a new national policy that tackles stigma and advocates for the removal of taxes on sanitary products. .
LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE REFORMS
Minister Imaan is a fierce advocate for policy and legal reforms, and actively support the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women to guarantee women’s political representation.
She is also courageously addressing the systemic issue of land ownership, which has historically denied women the ability to build wealth. The Minister is a vocal advocate for constitutional rights and is collaborating with state governments to secure land specifically for women’s farming activities.
President Tinubu’s selection of Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim is a testament to his commitment to delivering on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This appointment is a foundational investment in the nation’s future, proving that when the right people are in charge, the promise of Renewed Hope becomes a tangible reality. As the Minister continues to drive change, one thing is clear: Nigerian women are better off today than they were yesterday, and tomorrow will be even brighter.
