The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s and girls’ rights, with a renewed pledge to expand their participation in leadership and national development.
This commitment was reiterated at the annual Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) planning meeting held in Abuja, organised by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with Global Affairs Canada.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the government would intensify collaboration with stakeholders to ensure women have greater access to leadership positions, productive assets, and socio-economic opportunities. The minister was represented by Ebele Obiefuna.
She commended ActionAid Nigeria for its sustained efforts in strengthening women’s organisations and promoting empowerment programmes across the country, noting that the government remains committed to partnerships that deliver measurable impact.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, represented by Tonia Okangbe, assured stakeholders of continued institutional support for initiatives aimed at promoting women’s leadership and protecting their rights.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, disclosed that the RWVL programme is entering its second phase, building on gains recorded in enhancing women’s political participation, advocacy capacity, and socio-economic influence.
He stressed that the initiative is designed to ensure women’s voices not only gain visibility but also shape decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
“This is about more than programmes; it is about creating a future where women’s leadership is visible, respected, and transformative for communities across Nigeria,” he said.
The meeting underscored a renewed drive to close gender gaps in leadership, strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and ensure their contributions to governance and national development are fully recognised.
