Kaduna invests N5bn in women’s empowerment, enrolls 10,000 Almajiri children in schools

The Kaduna State Government has made significant financial investments in women’s empowerment, channeling a targeted grant of N5 billion to support women-led businesses, complemented by skills training and free agricultural inputs for women smallholder farmers, directly boosting economic opportunities and livelihoods.

In a major breakthrough for child protection, the government has formally enrolled 10,000 Almajiri children into the school system, a move aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and strengthening access to education. Additionally, adolescent girls have been enrolled in formal schools and provided with start-up kits and protection services.

This was disclosed in a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna by Rabi Salisu, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, detailing the government’s series of landmark reforms and initiatives undertaken over the years.

The statement underscored a strategic focus on leaving no one behind through sustained policy implementation and direct funding, most importantly, to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the state has strengthened its response mechanisms which includes the operation of four Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), toll-free hotlines, and a technical working group to coordinate efforts and support survivors effectively.

The legal framework for protecting vulnerable groups has been solidified. Kaduna State has domesticated and operationalized key laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the Child Welfare and Protection Law, and the Disability Law. The establishment of four functional family courts ensures quicker adjudication of cases involving women and children.

Further supporting children in conflict with the law, a Children’s Diversion Program has benefitted 85 children. The program provides school enrollment, literacy, numeracy, skills acquisition, and mental health support, offering a rehabilitative alternative to the justice system.

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On social inclusion, the fully operational Disability Affairs Board is enhancing access to services for Persons with Disabilities. Broader social protection initiatives, including cash transfers and youth development programs, have improved the lives of thousands of vulnerable households.

The government has also integrated gender and inclusion principles across all its ministries and agencies. Through the Open Government Partnership (OGP), citizen participation in planning and budgeting has been strengthened, ensuring that development is both equitable and sustainable.

The Kaduna State Government reiterated its commitment to deepening partnerships with development partners and civil society organizations. These collaborations aim to further strengthen the strides made in gender equality, child protection, and inclusive growth, ensuring the state continues on its path to becoming a model of social development in Nigeria.