The minister of women affairs and social development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged Nigerian women to break barriers and contest all elective positions in the 2027 elections.

She described the move as a “win-win” strategy for advancing gender inclusion and strengthening democratic participation across the country.

The minister gave the charge on Friday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from United Nasarawa State Women for Sustainable Development at the ministry headquarters.

A statement by the group’s media coordinator, Halimah Salihu, quoted  Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim as saying women’s political participation was essential for national development.

She noted that although women are among the most honest and hardworking citizens, their representation in politics at all levels remains low.

“Women should contest every seat in 2027. Even in defeat, the visibility and experience gained strengthen the collective cause,” Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

The minister said her political journey was driven by faith and purpose, urging women to use their nurturing roles to shape the younger generation.

She noted that youths constituted about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population, making women’s leadership crucial to national progress.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim pledged continued commitment to women’s empowerment initiatives across the country.

She also reaffirmed her dedication to combating gender-based violence and supporting grassroots women’s associations.

Emphasising balance, the minister said personal wellbeing and socialisation were vital components of effective leadership.

Noting that “charity begins at home”, she pledged closer collaboration with the group to ensure Nasarawa benefits from the Renewed Hope agenda.

She added that the ministry would sustain its partnership with the association to promote gender justice across the North-Central region.

Earlier, delegation leader, Asmau Adamu, said the visit was to brief the minister on recent activities and present an award.

Presenting a Trailblazers Award of Excellence, Mr Adamu said Sulaiman-Ibrahim was the association’s inaugural awardee.

She urged the minister to continue advancing women’s empowerment across Nigeria, beyond political and religious divides.

Also speaking, Zainab Mohammed, a member of the delegation, called for the reinstatement of afternoon schools to guarantee every girl-child access to education. 

(NAN)