On September 30, 2026, Niger's Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Colonel Major Abdourahamane Amadou, represented the Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, at a ceremony held at the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Center in Niamey. The event was organized to honor 12 pioneering women who have made significant contributions to Niger's development and resilience. These women are recognized for their competence, courage, and selflessness, which have paved the way for others to follow.
The 12 pioneering women honored include Mounkaila Aissata, president of the Association of Women of Niger (AFN); Ausseil Mirelle Fatouma, a diplomat; Barry Bibata Niandou, a jurist; Saraounia Matan Arewa; Saadatou Mallam Barmou; Hassane Haousseizé Zouera, a police commissioner; and Hadjia Mariama Mahamadou, a rural woman. These women have excelled in various fields, including law, justice, diplomacy, defense, security, health, education, and media.
In his speech, Minister Abdourahamane Amadou expressed his pride in honoring these women, whose contributions have opened up new paths for others to follow. He emphasized that recognizing the achievements of these pioneering women is a way of acknowledging that national construction has never been an exclusively male affair and that the country's refoundation will be done with the active participation of women.
On behalf of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, Minister Amadou expressed the nation's deep gratitude to each of the honored women for the path they have paved. He also remembered the pioneering women who have passed away, whose work continues to inspire and guide the nation.
Minister Amadou highlighted the strategic role that Nigerien women can play in promoting the country's sovereign choices, particularly within the Confederation of Sahel States and beyond. He mentioned that Nigerien women are actively engaged in various fields, including international negotiations, defending the country's image, and producing knowledge that the nation needs.
The Minister of Transport also acknowledged the often-overlooked contributions of women in the informal economy and rural areas, who are actively engaged in promoting the country's development. He emphasized that the ceremony was a testament to the state's recognition of the path that these women have traced and its commitment to honoring their achievements.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Population, Action Social and of Solidarity. The ceremony concluded with a message of appreciation and recognition for the 12 pioneering women, who have demonstrated exceptional courage, competence, and selflessness in their various fields of endeavor.
Key points
- The Nigerien government has recognized the contributions of 12 pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the country's development and resilience.
- The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Population, Action Social and of Solidarity.
- The event aimed to promote the role of women in Niger's development and to recognize their strategic importance in promoting the country's sovereign choices.
