The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says strengthening social work capacity is crucial to national development.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim said this on Wednesday at a ceremony organised to mark the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin.

She reiterated the need for coordination, shared commitment, and accountability in achieving national development goals.

She cited the examples of countries that have invested heavily in social development, such as the United Arab Emirates, which allocates 38 per cent of its budget to social development.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim also spoke on the importance of women’s economic empowerment, citing China’s Women’s Federation as a model.

According to her, empowering women economically can have a profoundly positive impact on society as a whole.

The minister, therefore, called for collective action to address the challenges facing the social development sector, including under-investment and duplication of efforts. She urged stakeholders to work together to build a society that values and empowers women.

The minister’s remark highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to social development.

“Everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” she said. 

(NAN)