Nigerian women, particularly those in rural communities, face significant barriers that limit their contribution to national development, Toun Sonaiya, Chair of the Board of Directors of Women Radio WFM 91.7, has said.
According to a statement made available on Sunday, Sonaiya made the remarks on Thursday during the second edition of Nigerian Women’s Day, held as part of activities at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
The event, themed “31 Years of Progress, Resilience, Impact and Renewed Hope,” was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Speaking at the event, Sonaiya highlighted challenges such as lack of electricity, limited access to finance and internet services, poor healthcare, restricted educational opportunities, and low representation of women in leadership roles.
“Nigerian women, children, families and vulnerable people, especially in 774 rural areas, face big challenges that stop them from contributing to the country’s growth,” she said.
She urged Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as development partners, to support initiatives aimed at empowering women and strengthening communities.
Sonaiya also outlined programmes under the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 framework, including PowerHer774, which seeks to provide clean energy access to one million women and their households, and the Women Agro Value Expansion programme targeting three million women in agriculture.
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Other initiatives focus on digital literacy, child development, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“Your positive contribution is like a piece of a jigsaw. Bit by bit we will build a bigger positive Nigeria,” she said, calling for partnerships to implement the programmes.
In her address, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised the importance of sustained investment and strong partnerships to advance women’s empowerment.
“Women’s empowerment is not a social programme; it is an economic strategy, a security strategy, and a development imperative,” she said.
The event also featured a fireside conversation between the minister and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, focusing on Nigeria’s gender equality goals and the global agenda for women’s empowerment. Panel discussions addressed topics including global leadership, peace and security, women in institutions and the economy, and positive masculinity.
Other speakers included Minister of State for Labour and Productivity Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Chairman of the National Population Commission Aminu Yusuf; Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission Tony Ojukwu; and ActionAid Nigeria Country Director Andrew Mamedu. Cultural performances and presentations further highlighted women’s role in leadership, innovation, and social development.