Equal Opportunity: We’re Shortchanging Ourselves If We Don’t Engage Women – Kaduna Dep Governor

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By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna


Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has said that Nigeria would be shortchanging itself if the country fails to engage it’s women population.
She noted that women account for almost 50% of the nation’s population and as such, you can’t work with just a half of the population without the inclusion of the other.
Dr. Hadiza, made the submission when she received a delegation from Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), on an advocacy visit to push for the full implementation and gain approval and adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Kaduna State.
The Nigerian National Assembly, had recently rejected bills seeking equity, equality and inclusion for women in policy making positions. A decision many sees as undermining the importance and relevance of women’s contribution to governance.
According to the deputy Governor, “we understand and we know that if we don’t engage our women, we are shortchanging ourselves. We make up almost 50% of the population, so you can’t work with just a half of the population.”
She assured that the state will continue to review laws and policies to get the best out of them
“We will continue to review them because the laws are not perfect, that’s why all the time we are reviewing what we have on ground so that gaps that have been identified by especially those outside will be amended, so we would constantly review those laws.” She said.
Dr. Hadiza, appreciated the team and promised a continuous partnership between the government and WRAPA towards the full implementation of the VAPP law and GEO bill in the state.
“Thank you very much for what you are doing for women and more you are going to do. Kaduna State lives on partnerships like yours and we will continue to work together to bring out the best.
“So we need your input so we can get it right. Even after a while, situation can come up that would require a review but we will keep trying our best.” She added.
WRAPA, a leading voice in the advocacy campaign against Violence Against Women (VAW), is implementing a two (2) year project on “Legal and Social Empowerment Program on Women’s Rights in Kaduna and Plateau States” supported by African Women Development Fund (AWDF).
The State Project Officer Barr Bukola Ajao, earlier in her remarks, told their host about the project, which she said, seeks to gain the approval and adoption of the VAPP ACT and the Gender and Equal Opportunities bill in Plateau and Kaduna State which seeks to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in women and girls and promote equal opportunities for beneficiaries of the project intervention (Women and Girls).
The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Baba, who was also in attendance, had commended WRAPA for their efforts in the state, adding that the State is already providing several measures aimed at addressing issues affecting women in the state.
According to her, State government recently launched Women Empowerment Fund, also constructing women and children shelter, remodeling of the children’s home and the establishment of four Sexual Assault Referral centers under this administration.
WRAPA team was led by Mrs Yemisi Nathaniel from WRAPA headquarters in company of the State Project officer and other WRAPA partners.

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