FG to scale up empowerment for women

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has disclosed the determination of the federal government to scale up various empowerment initiatives for women across the states of the federation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said this during his official visit to Ogun State, on Tuesday, that the step would make the womenfolk self-dependent and equally contribute to the growth of national development.

The Minister lauded the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration for prioritising women’s empowerment to better their lot, while reiterating the government’s commitment to restoring dignity, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that women in the country thrive.

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She noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development had embedded the vision in its Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes.

She added that no woman, child, or vulnerable person would be left behind to benefit from the federal government interventions.

Speaking during inspection of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) facility supported and equipped through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) with World Bank assistance, the minister submitted that the facility is a refuge of healing, dignity, and hope.

“The SARC is not just a facility; it is a refuge of healing, dignity, and hope. Here, survivors receive medical care, psychosocial support, and the assurance that they are not alone.

” This model shows what is possible when government, partners, and communities work together.

” As we extend immediate support to survivors today, we also look to the future. Working hand in hand with the state government, civil society, and development partners,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for displaying an example in culture, governance, innovation, and commitment to women’s advancement.

Earlier, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, Ogun Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said that SARC and the women’s development
centres were deliberately cited side by side.

” We believe that healing must go hand in hand with rebuilding.

“At the SARC, survivors come in with pain, but they do not remain defined by it.

“Here, wounds are treated, tears are wiped, voices are restored, and shattered lives begin the journey to wholeness again.

“Supported and equipped through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) with World Bank assistance, this centre boldly declares that violence will never have the final say in our state,” she said.

Adeleye noted that at the women’s development center, a victim could pick up her dignity, learn a trade, gain financial literacy, embrace entrepreneurship, and prepare for a new life of independence.