By Dele ogbodo
In an increasingly sweeping relevance arising from the overarching role of global women champions to stepping up its gender from palliative solutions to an all-inclusive sustainable empowerment: ‘The Beyond Beijing 30 Summit’ created niche by the NOVA Awards, has bestowed honours on some distinguished group of global leaders, policy-makers, and change-makers to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing declaration and platform for action.
The NOVA awards, sponsored by Sanicle.Cloud and IBTK Foundation, acknowledged women leaders who are not only making impact in this generation but are deeply committed to sustaining transformative change beyond 2025.
The Honorees at the global peace Ambassadors event included distinguished leaders across global health, advocacy, technology, and humanitarian efforts.
Among them are Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister for Women Affairs of Nigeria, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Acting Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Founder of Helpline Social Support Initiative Abuja, Abuja, and Dr. Padmini Murthy, Global Health Director at New York Medical College, United States.
Recall that the wave-making Nigeria’s Minister for Women Affairs, also shared how receiving the NOVA Award at CSW69, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, represents both a celebration and a challenge:
“This award is not just for me; it is for the countless women and girls across Nigeria who inspire us every day with their resilience and strength.
“While we acknowledge the progress made, we must also confront the stark realities: the heightened vulnerability of women and children during disasters, the struggles faced in urban slums.” She said.
According to her, the recognition strengthens our resolve to address these challenges head-on, adding that this is a moment of celebration, yes, but also a moment of rededication to the work ahead, for Nigeria’s women and for a more just society.
The Summit, which focused on advancing gender equity, health innovation, and economic empowerment for women has also culminated in the NOVA Awards, which recognized trailblazers whose contributions continue to shape the future of gender equality.
The Beyond Beijing 30 Summit and NOVA Award outcomes will be officially presented at the World Bank Spring Meetings in April 2025 and during UNGA80 in September 2025.
The goal according to award organisers, is to move from palliative solutions to sustainable, long-term investments that address women’s health, economic participation, and leadership representation.
