A non-governmental organization, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), has launched a new advocacy drive to strengthen civil society efforts on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and the adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment(WEE) Policy in Kano state under its Women Against Violence, Empowered through Sustainability (WAVES) Phase II project.
The initiative, supported by the French Embassy, kicked off with a civil society organisations advocacy workshop on GBV prevention and women’s economic inclusion and empowerment at the BCAI’s conference hall in Kano.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Nathan Bako, Project Lead for WAVES, said the workshop marks the beginning of a new phase of engagement following the completion of the first phase, which focused on women’s training and empowerment.
According to him, the event brought together 20 CSOs, including executive directors, senior programme officers, and state coordinators of national organisations, to strategize on evidence-based advocacy for women’s inclusion and empowerment.
“This phase is about collaboration and shared learning among CSOs to build their capacity in advocacy.
“While training women and creating access to opportunities are crucial, we understand that real change also requires policy action.
“That’s why we are focusing on advocacy for the adoption of the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) policy in Kano State,” Bako said.
Read also:
- UNICEF calls for intensified action as Kano records 90% reduction in polio cases
- World Polio Day: UNICEF, WHO, Kano Government pledge final push to eradicate Polio in Nigeria
- Kano assembly faults lopsided recruitment into customs
He noted that although the national framework for WEE exists, Kano has yet to domesticate the policy.
“The state government has made progress in drafting the bill, but we believe it needs a little push.
“Our goal is to ensure the WEE policy remains a top priority for adoption and implementation,” he added.
Bako emphasized that once adopted, the policy would provide a clear framework for government and stakeholders to improve women’s access to resources, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and labour opportunities, ultimately enhancing their socio-economic well-being.
“The idea is to build a unified CSO coalition in Kano that speaks with one voice to drive policy change and create sustainable economic inclusion for women,” he said.
The WAVES project, funded by the French Embassy, seeks to promote women’s empowerment and reduce GBV through advocacy, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
