The Kano government has launched the Women Economic Empowerment policy to promote inclusive governance and expand economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups across the state.

At its unveiling on Monday, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf described the initiative as a defining moment in the state’s efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous society, according to a statement.

Mr Kabir-Yusuf said the policy was rooted in the administration’s development blueprint, ‘Our Commitment’, which prioritises people-centred governance anchored on dignity, justice and equal opportunities for all citizens.

According to him, 5,200 women across the 484 wards in the state’s 44 Local Government Areas are currently receiving N50,000 monthly to support small businesses, strengthen household economies and promote financial independence.

He said the government had also taken steps to institutionalise inclusion by establishing a dedicated department for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while plans were underway to create a commission to safeguard the rights and opportunities of persons living with disabilities in the state.

The governor added that budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs had been increased to support programmes targeting women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Mr Kabir-Yusuf further disclosed that the Gyadi-Gyadi Women Skill Acquisition Centre was undergoing renovation to transform it into a major hub for skills development and entrepreneurship for women and adolescent girls.

He also said a needs assessment had been conducted across the 44 local government areas to reposition Women Development Centres as grassroots engines for economic growth through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.

Amina Abdullahi-Sani, the commissioner for women affairs, children and persons with special needs, described the policy as a historic milestone for women and vulnerable groups in the state.

She commended the governor for his commitment to people-centred governance and urged development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to align their interventions with the WEE policy for greater impact.

Women’s affairs minister Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim restated the importance of implementing the WEE Policy to promote women’s economic self-reliance.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, pledged the support of traditional institutions in promoting awareness and implementation of the policy across communities.

The emir also pledged continued support for women’s economic empowerment in the state.

The WEE Policy is expected to strengthen women’s participation in economic activities, improve livelihoods and promote inclusive growth in Kano.

(NAN)