Kano State Government has promised to lift more than two million women out of poverty by 2029 through the domestication and implementation of Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy.

The state Commissioner for Women, Children and the Disabled, Aisha Saji, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna during a two-day validation workshop on the WEE policy, organised by her ministry.

 The workshop was organised in partnership with Development Research and Projects Centre, Ford Foundation, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund and the WEE Catalyst Fund Partners, among others

Ms Saji, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Muntaka Yakasai, said that the policy would enable women in the state to contribute meaningfully to economic development and improve their families’ welfare.

She said, “Empowering women is not just a matter of social justice but a driver of sustainable development. Investing in women means investing in families, communities and the nation.’’ 

The commissioner commended the partners and donors for their contributions to the policy’s domestication, urging continued support for its implementation, scheduled to commence in 2025.

She said that the state government was committed to the domestication and implementation of the policy.

Ms Saji said, “We will review our strategies, assess the effectiveness of our plans and create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, workers and caregivers in Kano State.’’

 Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director of DRPC, Dr Judith Walker, described the WEE policy as a catalyst for economic growth.

Ms Walker, represented by the Director of Partnership and Communications, Hassan Karofi, said that it had the potential to contribute to the state’s economic development by 30 per cent.

Similarly,Executive Director of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative and representative of the WEE Catalyst Fund, Amina Hanga, called for full and effective implementation of the policy.

 Ms Hanga pledged her organisation’s support to ensure its success.

 According to her, the policy aims to provide women in the state with opportunities to achieve their aspirations, contribute to economic growth and build sustainable livelihoods. 

(NAN)