Int’l Women’s Day: GIDAN YANCI Joins Global Call to Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress

March 6, 2024 Mustapha Salisu

By Mustapha Salisu

In commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day, GIDAN YANCI Fellows collaborated with representatives from various women empowerment groups, urging stakeholders to urgently dismantle barriers hindering women’s socio-economic development and girls’ education.

The call was made on Tuesday at the Kano State Government House after a Women Walk/Match, scheduled to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024.

The delegation, led by the Democratic Action Group (DAG), was received by Kano State Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi, representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

DAG’s Executive Director, Alh. Mustapha Muhammad, highlighted the event’s purpose as advocating for increased women empowerment, protection, and education. Noting that the walk aimed to present rationale behind the commemoration and express gratitude to the state government for its support programs for women.

Jamila Musa, a delegation member, aligned with this year’s global theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” emphasizing the need to break barriers hindering women’s socio-economic development globally.

Acknowledging improvements in girls’ education access, Jamila highlighted existing disparities due to factors like early marriage, poverty, and cultural norms.

*From L-R: GIDAN YANCI Fellows Suleman Hamza Umar, Aisha Mustapha Muhammad, Mustapha Salisu*

Citing UNICEF data showing a 37% girl’s child literacy level, she stressed education’s pivotal role in addressing social, health, and economic challenges.

Despite efforts, Jamila pointed out the persisting gender gap in socio-economic empowerment in Kano. She appealed to the government for increased investment in women’s and girls’ education, economic empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.

Jamila also shared positive outcomes from a project funded by the Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), empowering 300 youth and women in Kano with vocational skills and digital training. The initiative led to safe spaces, mentoring programs, and community action teams, fostering peace and harmony.

In response, Kano State Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi, speaking on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasized the Governor’s commitment to women’s development, not only in Kano but nationwide.

He announced the state government’s plan to launch an empowerment program for approximately 4,400 women across all 44 Local Government Areas during March.

GIDAN YANCI Fellows present at the event acknowledged that it marked a significant step towards advancing women’s rights and fostering inclusive development in the region.