Kano Women Demand More Inclusion in Governance on International Women’s Day

In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), a group of women in Kano State, Nigeria, marched to the Government House to advocate for increased inclusion in governance and the implementation of policies and programs that promote girls’ education, equal employment opportunities, access to financial services and resources, and more women representation in decision-making processes.

Led by Jamila Musa, the group highlighted that despite progress in girls’ education, disparities still exist and limited access to quality education limits women’s opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

They also emphasized the need to address the gender gap in socio-economic empowerment, which remains a significant challenge in Kano.

Dr Mustapha Yahaya, executive director of Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative, mentioned that the group had handed over vocational skills equipment worth N40 million ($53.333) to 300 youths and women in Kano State under the Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE III).

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the chief of staff, Shehu Wada Sagagi, announced that his administration is committed to women’s affairs and has scheduled an empowerment program for women in the state’s 44 local government areas.

The government aims to increase the number of girl-child literacy in the state from 37 percent to over 60 percent in his first term in office.

The governor also mentioned the appointment of women to various positions, such as commissioner, special assistants, senior special assistants, senior reporters, and senior special reporters, in an effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the state.

The march by Kano women to the Government House on International Women’s Day highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.

The state government has made some progress, but there is still much work to be done to address disparities and ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in Kano.