Concerned about the limited inclusion of women, children, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in national affairs, key stakeholders have convened to develop strategies for advocating and advancing the rights of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
At the second annual conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs, participants emphasized that achieving gender equality requires transforming social norms and power structures that impede the political, social, and economic empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women, children, and PWDs.
The conference, themed Sub-National Policy and Practice for Enhancing Rights, Protection, and Justice for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, was organized by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of International IDEA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Women and Community Engagement, Princess Joan Jummai Idonije, emphasized the need for renewed commitment and decisive action in tackling gender disparities.
“This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is timely as it calls for bold interventions to address gender inequality,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated. She further stressed the importance of evaluating Nigeria’s policies and governance frameworks to ensure that interventions at the sub-national level yield measurable outcomes.
“We must ensure every initiative is tracked, assessed, and reported. Strengthening state-level gender data systems will allow us to measure progress and contribute to the national Women’s Empowerment and Protection Dashboard—promoting transparency and accountability in our collective efforts.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to RoLAC and other development partners for their continued advocacy for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, commending the State Commissioners for Women Affairs for their leadership in promoting gender equality at the state level.
Head of Programme, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Danladi Plang, urged state commissioners to prioritize the enactment and enforcement of laws that protect women, children, and PWDs. He stressed the need for adequate resource allocation and investment to drive sustainable progress.
“The core objective of the Rule of Law Programme is to enhance access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Since 2017, with support from the European Union, we have been implementing this programme across five states in Phase I, and we are currently working in seven states and the FCT,” Plang stated.
He highlighted RoLAC’s contributions, including supporting states in enacting key legislation such as the Child Rights Act, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and laws prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities.
“The Ministries and Commissioners play a crucial role as catalysts for change, coordinators of policy implementation, and influencers within state cabinets. Their leadership is instrumental in ensuring that gender-sensitive laws and policies are effectively implemented.”
Speaking with journalists at the event, Plang disclosed that approximately 8,000 survivors of gender-based violence have received assistance through the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). He also highlighted ongoing advocacy efforts to improve accessibility, particularly in public office buildings, through collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Project Manager for Access to Justice at RoLAC, Oluwatoyosi Giwa, set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the need for action-oriented discussions that translate into tangible benefits for vulnerable citizens.
“We hope that by the end of this three-day conference, you will develop action plans derived from the various presentations—plans that can be implemented to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women, children, and PWDs in your respective states. Let us speak our truth, share our experiences, and learn from one another to drive impactful change.”
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, acknowledged that while most Nigerian states have enacted gender-related laws, full implementation remains a challenge.
“We must harness the talents that women bring to leadership and governance. Excluding half of the population means missing out on valuable contributions. Diverse groups that include both women and men are more effective, and this is particularly true in politics,” Mignot stated.
The conference reinforced the urgency of strengthening legislative frameworks, increasing investments, and fostering partnerships to accelerate gender equality and improve the lives of vulnerable citizens across Nigeria.
