By Justina Auta
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has unveiled a blueprint to advance the rights of women, gender equity and transformation in every sector, for national development.
The Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the initiative would reignite opportunities for women to thrive.
The minister made this known in Abuja, during the unveiling of the blueprint and celebration of 100 transformational days in office of Mrs Edna Azura, the NCWS National President.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the NCWS Grand Patron for donating a brand-new bus to the organisation.
“The blueprint we unveil today is more than a plan; it is a collective compass. It outlines a bold, structured and sustainable pathway to advance women’s rights, agency and leadership across the federation.
“It shows that we are not waiting for change; we are building change.
“Blueprints must meet reality.
To truly implement this vision, we must address the fundamental gaps that keep our women unseen, underserved and underrepresented,” she said.
The minister noted that lack of a comprehensive, inclusive national database for Nigerian women, had hindered visibility and equity for Nigerian women.
According to her, this has compelled the ministry to deploy the ‘Happy Woman App’ and other digital platforms under the ‘Digital Harmony’ initiative, to connect women to essential services, networks, resources and opportunities.
“We are using these platforms to build the largest gender-responsive digital database in Nigeria’s history.
“This will allow us to plan better, respond faster, and serve more effectively. Our women must no longer remain on the margins of innovation; they must be at the heart of it,” she said.
The minister further added that the ministry’s mission was anchored on delivering Women and Children’s agenda of President Bola Tinubu, where women ‘rise, lead and thrive’.
“The Nigerian woman is not asking for favors, she is claiming her rightful place.
And this administration, this ministry and this council stand as her partners in purpose,” she said.
Also speaking, the NCWS president Mrs Edna Azura, expressed appreciation to the government for its support to women, which would enhance their economic, political and social status.
She noted that since her assumption of office, the council had launched the anti-GBV awareness initiative, empowered indigents women and widows, partnered with Tunisian Embassy on trade engagement and strengthened collaboration with Nigeria’s governors’ spouses and other stakeholders.
She listed other achievements as partnering with the Nile University, hosting of a National Mental Health symposium to address depression and suicide, as well as campaign for zero tolerance on FGM, amongst others.
She said: “These milestones are only the beginning in the coming months, because NCWS will scale up the GBV prevention programs nationwide.
“We will roll out state level empowerment training hubs for grassroots women. We will also intensify advocacy for women’s political inclusion in party structures and elections, amongst others,”.
Also speaking, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen urged women to support the Nigerian government, particularly the incumbent minister, to implement initiatives that would economically empower and increase women’s political representation.
