Abuja: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA), adopted in 1995, set a global agenda for achieving gender equality and empowering women. Signed by 189 governments, including Nigeria, the declaration focuses on economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women, increasing female leadership, and protecting the rights of the girl child.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the BDPA calls for strengthening institutions that promote gender equality and expects countries to follow up on their commitments. The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) monitors progress globally. Nigeria, a signatory to the BDPA, has implemented various policies and programs through mechanisms like the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Thirty years after the BDPA’s adoption, Nigeria presented its achievements and challenges at the 69th CSW in New York. Experts acknowledged progress in education and political participation for women in Nigeria, but significant challenges persist, including violence against women, limited healthcare, and economic opportunities. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted the harsh realities faced by women and the need to enforce gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act.
The minister noted that women own 41% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises but face barriers like limited access to finance and digital literacy. She announced initiatives to support 4.5 million women and benefit 500,000 women through skills development under the MOWA-SARA initiative, supported by WEMA Bank.
Political representation remains a concern, with only a small percentage of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly. The minister called for accelerated efforts toward political inclusion. Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, UNWomen Representative to Nigeria, praised the progress in political participation but stressed the need for collective action for transformative change.
Dr. Felicia Onibon presented Nigeria’s Draft BPfA+30, highlighting progress in implementing the BPfA, including significant strides in gender-based violence outreach and school interventions. Recommendations include continued collaboration with international and local partners to address gaps.
Stakeholders called for stronger policies, increased funding, and advocacy to tackle gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and access to education. Dr. Joy Shu’aibu highlighted employment barriers for women with disabilities, urging disability-inclusive approaches at CSW69.
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria and NAWOJ launched the ‘Her Seat in Parliament and Governance’ campaign to increase women’s participation in governance. Miss Grace Sim-Auta from Hope For Village Child Foundation called for collaboration among the government, NGOs, and civil society, emphasizing the importance of education, economic opportunities, and leadership representation for women.
As Nigeria marks International Women’s Day 2025, it is clear that while progress has been made, challenges remain. Achieving true gender equality requires ongoing efforts to create a supportive society for all citizens, regardless of gender.