UN Dep. Sec-Gen. Joins Nigerian Women’s Day Event In New York

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, joined Nigeria’s minister of women affairs and social development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and other stakeholders at the second edition of Nigerian Women’s Day held during the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York City.

The event, organised by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, brought together ministers, diplomats, civil society leaders, gender advocates, entrepreneurs, artists and members of the Nigerian diaspora to discuss advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Themed “31 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope,” it highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender equality and strengthening women’s participation in national development.

In her address, the minister outlined the ministry’s plans under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 framework aimed at reaching women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through programmes in energy access, agriculture, digital inclusion, health and protection, creativity and innovation, leadership, education, child development and family resilience.

She called for increased investment and stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and civil society to advance women’s empowerment.

A major highlight of the event was a fireside conversation between Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Mohammed, focusing on global efforts to promote gender equality and improve opportunities for women and girls.

The programme also featured three panel sessions on global leadership, peace and security; women, institutions and the economy; and positive masculinity.

Participants included the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; the Chairman of the National Population Commission of Nigeria, Aminu Ibrahim; the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, Tony Ojukwu; and the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, among others.

The event also featured cultural performances and an art presentation by Nigerian artist and human rights activist Laolu Senbanjo.

The Nigerian Women’s Day event forms part of Nigeria’s participation in the annual UN gathering focused on advancing women’s rights and gender equality globally.