Kano State government has launched the domesticated version of the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, aimed at lifting two million women out of poverty and achieving 30 percent economic growth by 2029.
At the event, the Kano State governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, promised to provide financial backing for the implementation of the policy to achieve sustainable transformation in the economic lives of women, adolescent girls, and society at large.
The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Dr Abdulkadir Abdussalam, said the state government was committed to transforming the document into a practical and result-oriented policy.
According to the governor, the WEE Policy is aligned with the state government’s blueprint, which is centered on service to the people, inclusiveness, justice, and prosperity for all.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullah Sani, said that in the implementation of the policy, priority will be given to expanding women’s access to education, financial services, markets, capacity building, protection, business safety nets, and empowerment.
She however promised to continue collaborating with partners, civil societies, community leaders, and professionals in the implementation as the Policy documents was a result of their collaborative efforts.
In his speech, the emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Sunusi II, stated that society cannot develop when over 50 percent of its population face financial exclusion and barriers. He noted that promoting and expanding economic inclusion is key to achieving sustainable growth.
The emir called on the government to pay more attention to women’s education, digital skills, entrepreneur training, and access to financial services in order to eliminate the major barriers hindering women from achieving economic independence and prosperity.
In her remarks, the minister of Women Affairs, represented by the Director of Financial Services of the ministry, Alhaji Musa Aliyu Musa, described the launch of the policy as a welcome development that will open a new chapter in enhancing the economy and wellbeing of women and families at large.
The domestication and launch of the policy was supported by partners including the Development Research and Project Center (DRPC), Global Affairs Canada, , African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), WEE Catalyst Fund Kano Cohort People Advisory and Isa Walida Empowerment Initiative, the Albright Stonebridge Group.
The partners promised to continue supporting the implementation of the policy through institutional capacity building , public enlightenment and other technical and financial interventions.
