As Nigeria joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day, ActionAid Nigeria has brought attention to the plight of women and girls in Kano State, where they comprise approximately 49 per cent of the population. Speaking at an event organized to commemorate the Day in Kano, Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, the Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, highlighted the concerning disparity in investment between women and men in the state.
Haj. Suwaiba emphasized the urgent need for a significant increase in investment in women’s and girls’ education and economic empowerment to foster inclusive economic growth. She stressed the importance of achieving equity and equality in access to basic social services, opportunities, education, and leadership roles. Addressing the gathering, she stated, “Our message is to invest in women, promoting equity and equality in access to basic social services, opportunities, education, and leadership roles.”
She pointed out, “In a situation where there is a discrepancy and disparity between men and women, boys and girls, development remains one-sided.” With women constituting nearly half of Kano State’s population, the inadequate investment in their welfare is evident. Factors such as poverty, lack of asset ownership, and educational disparities continue to hinder women’s progress in the state.
“We urge the government to implement programs and policies that create an enabling environment for women and girls to excel in their businesses, education, entrepreneurship, and societal interactions,” Haj Suwaiba added. Our message to the public is to respect women, recognize their dignity, and ensure their protection and right to perform to their fullest potential.”
Furthermore, she advocated for government programs and policies that cater to the needs of women and provide them with equal opportunities without discrimination. Dr. Mustapha Yahaya, the Executive Director of Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the organization’s efforts in empowering youth and women in Kano State.
Dr. Mustapha mentioned that over the past 20 months, with funding from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), they have provided vocational skills training to 300 youth and women in Kano State under the Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) initiative. The beneficiaries were trained in tailoring, rice processing, and groundnut oil processing across 12 communities in 6 local government areas: Gwale, Nasarawa, Bichi, Gwarzo, Bebeji, and Tudun Wada.
This initiative aims to equip women and youth with practical skills that enable them to be self-reliant and contribute positively to their communities development. By investing in vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities, ActionAid Nigeria and its partners are working towards bridging the gap in economic empowerment and promoting gender equality in Kano State.
