As the world marks International Women’s Day, stakeholders in Katsina State have been urged to move beyond celebrations and confront the harsh realities faced by women and children across the state.
A youth advocate and Deputy Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Khadija Sulaiman Saulawa, said the global event should serve as a moment not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to reflect on the persistent challenges affecting their lives.
Speaking in a statement to commemorate the day, Saulawa—who is also founder of the Queen Dijah Initiative—said many women in the state continue to battle insecurity, poverty, hunger, malnutrition and displacement, conditions that demand urgent collective action.
According to her, while International Women’s Day is meant to highlight women’s progress and advocate their participation in decision-making, the situation in many communities in Katsina calls for sober reflection.
She noted that insecurity and displacement have left many women struggling to survive, with some forced to migrate from rural communities to urban centres in search of safety and basic needs.
“The resilience of these women must be recognized,” she said, stressing that stakeholders must acknowledge their struggles, especially those living in rural areas or displaced by violence.
Saulawa commended the efforts of international and local humanitarian organisations, civil society groups and community-based organisations for supporting vulnerable women with food, education, shelter and psychosocial services.
However, she emphasized that more support is urgently needed.
She also raised concerns about the growing number of women who spend nights with their children in uncompleted buildings or on the streets due to lack of housing, warning that such conditions expose them to exploitation and abuse.
“This is disturbing and heartbreaking. We must push for stronger policies that address insecurity, hunger and housing challenges affecting women,” she added.
Activist further called for platforms that would allow affected women to share their experiences and contribute to shaping interventions that directly respond to their needs.
She stressed that meaningful change would only come through stronger collaboration among government, humanitarian agencies, civil society groups and community leaders.
“Celebration should fuel change, not overshadow struggles,” Saulawa said. “The best way to honour women is by acting decisively to improve their lives.”
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