BREAKING: Women Affairs Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim Urges Private Sector to Drive Gender Equality Through Shared Value Partnerships
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has issued a call to action to Nigeria’s private sector, urging leaders to form shared value partnerships that transcend financial contributions, and instead leverage expertise, platforms, mentorship and time to accelerate gender equality and economic development.
Speaking at a high-level strategic brunch hosted in her honour by Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA), the Minister underscored the urgent need for unified effort and deliberate investment in women-focused programmes. The event, held at The Delborough Hotel, Lagos, brought together philanthropists, business leaders, and development actors in a dialogue centred on the Ministry’s 10-million-women empowerment mandate.
“We are seeking shared value partnerships—not just funding, but expertise, platforms, mentorship, and time,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said. “You, our partners in the private sector, are critical to helping us scale impact, reduce inequalities, and unlock the immense potential of Nigerian women.”
Citing World Bank data, the Minister revealed that closing gender gaps could unlock $9.3 billion annually for Nigeria and up to $28 trillion globally—figures she described as a call to urgency and action, saying that the potential cannot be realised without deliberate, unified effort.
The Minister highlighted landmark initiatives under her leadership, including the Happy Woman App, the Nigeria for Women Project, and the MOWA x SARA Accelerator in partnership with Wema Bank, aimed at fostering economic empowerment, digital access and protection for women nationwide.
As part of her address, she also unveiled plans for a forthcoming coffee-table book marking the 30th anniversary of the Ministry of Women Affairs. The publication will document key milestones, celebrate private sector champions, and serve as a platform to promote women’s contributions to national development.
“Being featured in this publication is more than visibility—it is a symbol of shared legacy and national transformation,” the Minister noted.
“This is not just a moment—it’s a movement,” the Minister concluded. “A Nigeria where women and girls thrive is within reach—but it requires collective action. It is WOMAN O’CLOCK, and the time is now.”
