The government of Kaduna state has sanctioned a financial support package amounting to N4.5 billion, which is set to benefit 15,000 households. This allocation is a strategic component of the state's efforts to implement the National Women's Economic Empowerment Policy at the local level.
Highlights of the initiative include:
- The introduction of an economic enhancement program tailored to the National Women's Economic Empowerment Policy by the Kaduna state authorities.
- A substantial budget of N4.5 billion has been allocated for the benefit of 15,000 households.
- The program's objective is to bolster women's economic position through targeted interventions in sectors such as education, agriculture, and business enterprise.
- The state's commitment to fostering economic growth for women and girls through a variety of developmental initiatives.
- The organization of a one-day workshop by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to facilitate citizen participation in the policy's local adaptation.
- The World Bank's pledge to provide the state with technical support to aid in the policy's implementation.
Furthermore, the state government has announced plans to distribute N11.4 billion in relief aid to 200,000 households, with an aim to reach approximately one million individuals. Additionally, a fund of N4.2 billion has been designated for disbursement to households in need, small-scale farmers, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He articulated that by adopting and executing the policy at sub-national levels, Nigeria could potentially accrue in excess of $2.5 billion in investments and economic development. He further noted that with women constituting over half of the population, the state of Kaduna is particularly poised to reap substantial economic benefits that arise from women's empowerment.
During her address at the seminar, Albright Stonebridge Group's Gender Lead, Mrs. Rinmicit Aboki, urged regional governments to recognize and harness the economic benefits that can be unlocked through the policy's implementation, focusing on the empowerment of women.
Mr. Musa Yusuf, the World Bank's envoy, lauded the Kaduna state administration for its endorsement of the policy. He assured that the World Bank would extend expert support to assist the state in tailoring the policy to serve its populace effectively.
The seminar convened a diverse array of participants, including members from non-governmental organizations, faith-based and traditional institutions, female-centric associations, the business community, and various government agencies and departments within Kaduna state.