⟨⟩The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a part of the Federal Ministries of Nigeria that promotes the development of women with equal rights and corresponding responsibilities.
Contents
Organisation
The ministry is headed by a Minister appointed by the President, assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who is a career civil servant.
Objectives include stimulating action to promote civic, political, social and economic participation of women; coordinating and monitoring women's programmes; providing technical and financial support to women Non-governmental organizations, especially the National Council of Women Societies.
The Ministry of Women Affairs is required to review substantive and procedural laws that affect women.
Functions
Some activities undertaken by the Ministry include cottage industry projects such as bee-keeping, pottery and vegetable oil production to boost the economic empowerment of women, where the Ministry provides equipment and training to women's cooperatives. The Ministry also promotes literacy and health programs for women. In December 2007, the ministry issued a policy that for addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace, helping ensure prevention, care and support for those living with the disease.
List of ministers
The ministry was headed by Maryam Ciroma during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. She was succeeded by Saudatu Usman Bungudu as Minister of Women Affairs when President Yar'Adua announced his cabinet in July 2007. Saudatu Usman Bungudu was dropped on October 29, 2008 in a cabinet reshuffle. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman was sworn in as minister of Women Affairs on December 17, 2008.
As of December 2009, the Permanent Secretary was Dr D B Ibe. After he assumed office, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed Iyom Josephine Anenih as the Minister of Women Affairs. She was sworn in on 6 April 2010. Hajiya Zainab Maina was Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development. She was appointed in July 2011 by Goodluck Jonathan
The Current Minister Women Affairs and Social Development is Senator Aisha Alhassan