The Kaduna State Government has outlined major progress in women’s empowerment, child protection, and social inclusion, confirming that a targeted grant of N5 billion has been released to support women-led businesses across the state. According to the government, the intervention includes skills training and free agricultural inputs for women smallholder farmers to help them improve their livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
At a press conference held on Saturday in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, explained that the state has continued to invest in long-term reforms designed to reduce inequalities. She stated that “the government has enrolled 10,000 Almajiri children into the school system,” describing it as an important step toward reducing the number of out-of-school children. She added that adolescent girls have also been enrolled in formal schools and provided with start-up kits and protection services to support their education and safety.
The commissioner highlighted that combating GBV remains a central priority for the state. She noted that Kaduna has strengthened its response mechanisms through the operation of four Sexual Assault Referral Centres, toll-free hotlines, and a technical working group created to coordinate interventions and improve support for survivors. She emphasized that these structures are backed by consistent policy action and financial investment.
To reinforce legal protection for vulnerable groups, Salisu said the state has domesticated and implemented several key laws. These include the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the Child Welfare and Protection Law, and the Disability Law. The government has also established four functional family courts to ensure faster handling of cases involving women and children.
Further updates from the ministry showed that the Children’s Diversion Program has supported 85 children in conflict with the law by offering school enrollment, literacy and numeracy classes, skills training, and mental health support. The initiative is designed to provide a rehabilitative alternative rather than exposing children to the regular justice system.
On social inclusion, the state confirmed that the Disability Affairs Board is now fully operational, improving access to essential services for Persons with Disabilities. Cash transfers and youth development programs are also being implemented as part of broader social protection efforts benefiting vulnerable households.
Salisu noted that the government has integrated gender and inclusion principles across all ministries and agencies. She added that through the Open Government Partnership, citizen participation in planning and budgeting has increased, making development more equitable. The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with development partners and civil society organizations to sustain progress in gender equality and inclusive growth.
