Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Rabi Salisu
Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Rabi Salisu, has urged policymakers to move beyond policy formulation and implement practical measures to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), empower women and strengthen social development across the North-West.
Speaking at the opening of the North-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitisation ahead of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development in Kaduna, Dr. Salisu said coordinated and evidence-based policies were needed to address the growing social and economic challenges confronting women and vulnerable groups.
The three-day meeting, held at the General Hassan Usman Katsina House, brought together the Minister of Women Affairs, commissioners from North-West states, permanent secretaries, directors, technical officers, development partners, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders.
Describing the meeting as timely, the commissioner said governments at all levels must strengthen collaboration to improve the welfare of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She said the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development remains a key platform for developing policies, promoting peer learning and strengthening collaboration between the federal and state governments.
According to her, the pre-council engagement offers stakeholders an opportunity to review existing policies, align regional priorities and develop practical recommendations ahead of the national council meeting.
Dr. Salisu identified women’s economic empowerment, child protection, social protection, youth development, disability inclusion, institutional strengthening and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence as priority areas requiring urgent attention.
She expressed concern over the increasing incidence of GBV, saying violence against women and girls continues to threaten social progress, human dignity and sustainable development.
The commissioner called on participants to develop practical and implementable policy recommendations capable of delivering measurable results at the grassroots.
She also reaffirmed the commitment of the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani to promoting inclusive policies and strengthening partnerships that expand opportunities for women and vulnerable groups.
Dr. Salisu expressed optimism that the outcome of the zonal sensitisation would enrich deliberations at the forthcoming 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development and contribute to improved policy direction nationwide.
