An NGO, Catholic Relief Society (CRS), has advocated for increased investments and prioritizing polices that will facilitate women empowerment and inclusion in Sokoto state.
CRS Programme Manager, Mrs A’isha Nuraini, made the call at a women sensitization programme on Thursday in Sokoto.
Nuraini said the programme was part of International Women Day (IWD) celebrations line up by CRS in collaboration with Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
She advised government agencies and other stakeholders’ to fine-tune partnerships and initiatives for women empowerment programmes that would enhance thier living conditions.
She enjoined leaders to leverage on the state’s natural resources and industries for women’s economic empowerment and always ensure stakeholders’ commitments toward that direction.
“ Government should ensure genuine investment in the growth of women and the well-being of the girl child and harness women creative skills for sustainable growth.
“Empowering women is not just about justice but a prerequisite for comprehensive, sustainable development.
“ Gender-responsive policies and legislation are vital to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring inclusivity in governance,” Manager said.
She explained that CRS focus on activities that would foster dialogue and exchange of ideas on women’s empowerment, gender equality and diversity in the workplaces.
She said efforts were also geared to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership among stakeholders as well as showcase the works of participating organizations.
The CRS also engage on raising awareness about the importance of women’s rights and gender equality.
In her address, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Shagari, state government would soon commence the distribution of free sanitary pads in schools and work places as efforts.
Shagari said the efforts was to enhance girls enrollment and overall women inclusion and reassured more initiatives that would include skills training, access to finance and entrepreneurship support, especially in rural areas.
She said: “By creating an inclusive environment, we aim to strengthen the economy and provide financial security for women and their families.”
The Commissioner said the present administration has accorded priority to women development as part of strategies for economic and social development.
While she commended the support of United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) and other donors, the Commissioner described this year’s theme ”Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” as apt” as women are critical to national development.
The Newsmen reports that the event featured discussion on women challenges, available opportunities and rights of women in the society from Dr Auwal Musa, Cicilia Eseme and Ubaida Bello among other personalities.
———
About The Author
