Group  Fumes over barriers limiting women’s economic participation.

Group  Fumes over barriers limiting women’s economic participation.

 

By: Femi Mustapha

 

 

A group under the auspices of the Kaduna Social Investment Programme Agency (KADSIPA,) has expressed dismay over barriers that limit the economic participation of Women and their access to financial resources.

 

 

The State Coordinator of  KAD-SIPA

Umar Sani Maikudi,  asserted this during a Dialogue Meeting to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day in collaboration with the Kaduna Social Protection and Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC,) with support from Save the Children International, Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID, an FCDO Project) held in  Kaduna, 13th March, 2024.

 

According to him, these challenges not only hinder the growth and well-being of women but also impede the overall development of the communities and nation.

 

He added that the people of the state are united by a common cause, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and to reaffirm its commitment to advancing their empowerment.

 

“This year, we have chosen the theme “Financial Inclusion: A Pathway to Investing in Women for Accelerated Progress in Kaduna State”. This theme reflects our collective recognition of the crucial role that financial inclusion plays in unlocking the potential of women, enabling them to contribute more significantly to our economy and society.”

 

“Interestingly, under the visionary leadership of, Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State has taken a bold step towards financial inclusion with the signing of ‘Financial Inclusion in Kaduna State Order 2023′.

 

“This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the exclusion of about 2.1 million poor, underserved and vulnerable citizens in rural areas, by equipping them with essential financial skills to enable them to make sound financial and investment decisions.

“Heartfelt appreciation to our foresighted leader for championing inclusive prosperity in our state.”

 

“Therefore, today’s dialogue meeting is not just a celebration; it is a call to action.”

 

“It is an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions that can drive change. We are privileged to have among us a diverse group of participants – women entrepreneurs, business managers, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, government officials and women captured on the State Register generated by the Financial Inclusion & Literacy Committee.”

 

 

“As we embark on today’s discussions, I encourage you all to engage openly, share your insights generously, and collaborate effectively. Together, let us pave the way for a future where women’s financial inclusion is not just an aspiration but a reality.”

 

Similarly, the Advocacy, campaign and policy manager of the SCI Kaduna office, Murjanatu Kabir opined that no success can be achieved without the support of a woman, so she feels every day, is International Women’s Day but specifically, this month is a special to Save the Children International.

 

She added that SCI  is focused on ensuring that Children have an improved life and are protected from any form of violence and abuse and cannot achieve that without the women because they are the real caregivers of these children.

 

 

“I’m very happy that the Kaduna State Governor, is taking this as a priority and ensuring that Women are inclusively part of the financial system of the State and I know that there will be so many changes in the lives of the Women and the Children.

 

“I feel that Financial Inclusion is very key and the women at both the grassroots level and city are going to feel the effects.

 

“We at Save the Children are here with other partners, ready to support all the systems that will strengthen the achievements and successes of women all around the world.”

 

In her remarks, the Coordinator for  Kaduna  Social  Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC ) Jessica  Bartholomew said the day is special for KADSPAC an accountability mechanism made up of media and Civil society Organizations working in the social Protection Space.

 

She premised that Coalition relationships with the government have resulted in some decisions on social protection Policies that are of benefit to the poor and vulnerable in the state.