Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for the inclusion of women and girls in urban governance, stressing that their leadership is crucial to designing sustainable cities.
Speaking at a high-level dialogue on women and girls’ leadership during the ongoing Commission for the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, the minister emphasised that women are disproportionately affected by urbanisation, environmental degradation, and climate change, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making.
She said, “Too often, women are seen as beneficiaries of urban planning and environmental policies rather than as decision-makers, innovators, and architects of change.
“Yet, the evidence is clear: when women lead, cities become more liveable, economic growth becomes more inclusive, and environmental policies become more effective.
“Today’s conversation is a step toward correcting that oversight and ensuring that women and girls are at the forefront of designing and leading the sustainable cities of the future.”
She highlighted alarming statistics, including the fact that women and children are 14 times more likely to die during natural disasters and that over 60% of Africa’s urban population lives in slums, where women face heightened risks of violence, displacement, and economic exclusion.
The minister also announced Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Cities for CEDAW Coalition, with seven states formally pledging to integrate gender-sensitive policies into urban governance and climate action strategies.
“I am happy to say that Nigeria is proudly joining the Global Cities for CEDAW Coalition with the formal commitment of seven Nigerian states to advance gender-sensitive urban policies, drive inclusive climate action, and set measurable targets for reporting at international forums.
“Let me also add that this commitment is not symbolic to us. It is a bold declaration that our cities and states must lead the charge in integrating CEDAW principles into local governance, to ensure that urban policies address gender disparities in safety, economic opportunities, and climate adaptation.
“It is a sharp statement that gender-responsive urban planning is non-negotiable – our cities must be designed to work for women, not against them. This means better mobility, secure public spaces, equitable housing policies, and participatory governance.
She added that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is strengthening the implementation of its National Action Plan on Gender and Climate Change, ensuring that women-led climate solutions and gender data become central to urban planning.
“As we sign this Global Campaign Agreement, let us be clear—this is a generational responsibility,” she stated. “It is a promise to the women and girls of today and the future that they will inherit cities that are just, inclusive, safe, and sustainable.”
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