The Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs is a ministry of the Nigerian government that promotes the development of women with equal rights and corresponding responsibilities. 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 organization

Non-governmental organization

A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...

s, especially the National Council of Women Societies.
The Ministry of Women Affairs is required to review substantive and procedural laws that affect women.
The ministry is headed by a Minister appointed by the President

President of Nigeria

The President of Nigeria is the Head of State and head of the national executive. Officially styled President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The current President of Nigeria is Goodluck Jonathan.-History:On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained...

, assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who is a career civil servant

Nigerian Civil Service

The Nigerian Civil Service consists of employees in Nigerian government agencies other than the military.Most employees are career civil servants in the Nigerian ministries, progressing based on qualifications and seniority...

.

Activities

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.

Leadership

The ministry was headed by Maryam Ciroma

Maryam Ciroma

Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma was appointed Nigerian minister of Women Affairs in July 2005 by President Olusegun Obasanjo.She was replaced by Saudatu Bungudu when President Umaru Yar'Adua swore in his cabinet in July 2007.-Background:...

 during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.
She was succeeded by Saudatu Usman Bungudu

Saudatu Bungudu

Saudatu Usman Bungudu was appointed Nigeria's women affairs and social development minister in July 2007...

 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

Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman

Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman is a Nigerian lawyer who was appointed Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development in December 2008.She left office in March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.-Background:...

 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 Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR, BNER, GCON is the 14th Head of State and current President of Nigeria.He was Governor of Bayelsa State from 9 December 2005 to 28 May 2007, and was sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May 2007. Jonathan is a member of the...

 appointed Iyom Josephine Anenih

Josephine Anenih

Iyom Josephine Anenih was appointed Nigerian minister of Women Affairs on 6 April 2010, when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan announced his new cabinet....

as the Minister of Women Affairs. She was sworn in on 6 April 2010.