Minister condemns rising violence against women, vulnerable Groups

By




Hadiza Abdulrahman

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has strongly condemned the escalating cases of violence, abuse, and exploitation targeting women, children, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria, declaring, “Enough is enough!”

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Minister expresses alarm over increasing reports of sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, child trafficking, and online exploitation occurring within schools, homes, and communities. She emphasized the collective moral and legal responsibility to safeguard vulnerable groups.

“Every child deserves a safe, secure, and nurturing environment free from fear and abuse,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated. “Schools, homes, and communities must be sanctuaries, not places of torment.”

Decisive Actions and Policy Reforms

The Ministry is committed to immediate and decisive action against perpetrators of these heinous crimes, which undermine societal values. A national social protection policy is being developed to strengthen protection frameworks and institutionalize comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable groups.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced ongoing collaborations with justice actors, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to enforce child protection mechanisms and review legislation. These efforts include updating the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to introduce stricter penalties and ensure robust enforcement.

Support Systems and Community Engagement

The Ministry plans to establish crisis management centers and reporting mechanisms, providing citizens with access to helplines, school-based programs, psychosocial support, and community sensitization initiatives.

“We believe in a holistic approach to prevention and intervention and are committed to creating a safer environment for our women, children, and vulnerable citizens,” she added.

Presidential Support

Backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s zero-tolerance policy on violence, the Ministry is accelerating efforts to make the protection of women, children, and vulnerable groups a top national priority.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed her commitment to ending the cycle of abuse, emphasizing that swift and coordinated action is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for urgent and collective action to protect vulnerable children across Africa.

she made the call at SOAS University of London during the launch of the Community Children’s Fund themed “Advancing Africa’s Agenda for Children 2040: Protecting Street-Connected Children in West Africa”

The Minister highlighted key pledges made at the First Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, including the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools by 2028 and a ₦112 billion investment to enhance school safety under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She stressed the importance of strengthening policy frameworks, increasing socio-economic investments, and involving communities in ending harmful practices.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged stakeholders to shift from discussions to transformative action, declaring that no child should be left behind.

The launch of the fund is expected to provide sustainable grassroots support for protecting street-connected children in the region.


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