The Kaduna State Government has announced major gains in women’s empowerment, child protection and social inclusion, including a N5bn grant for women-led businesses and the school enrolment of 10,000 Almajiri children.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, disclosed this at a press briefing on Saturday.
Salisu said the state has scaled up economic support for women through the targeted grant, skills training and free agricultural inputs.
“Our priority is expanding opportunities for women and ensuring no one is left behind,” she said.
10,000 almajiri, adolescent girls enrolled in Kaduna
The government has enrolled 10,000 Almajiri children into formal schools, while adolescent girls have received start-up kits and protection services.
“This is a decisive step to reduce out-of-school children,” Salisu added.
She added that, Kaduna has expanded gender-based violence response systems with four Sexual Assault Referral Centres,toll-free GBV hotlines, and a Technical Working Group for coordinated survivor support
The state has domesticated and implemented the VAPP Law, Child Welfare and Protection Law, and Disability Law and four family courts now speed up cases involving women and children, she said.
The Children’s Diversion Programme has assisted 85 children with school access, literacy, skills training and psychosocial support.
Disability board fully functional – Rabi Salisu
Rabi Salisu said the Disability Affairs Board is fully functional, while cash transfers and youth programmes have reached thousands of vulnerable households.
Through the Open Government Partnership, gender and inclusion principles have been integrated into planning and budgeting across ministries.
Rabi Salisu reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to collaboration with development partners and civil society to sustain gains in gender equality, child protection and inclusive growth.
