Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Hajiya Rabi Salisu
Kaduna State Government has outlined far-reaching reforms and achievements in gender equality, social inclusion and child protection, reaffirming its commitment to building a safer and more inclusive society for all residents.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Hajiya Rabi Salisu, highlighted the progress during a press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna.
She said Kaduna has, over the years, implemented transformative policies that place the State at the forefront of promoting the rights and wellbeing of women, children, youth and vulnerable groups.
These reforms, she added, reflect the administration’s resolve to drive human capital development through inclusive governance.
According to the Commissioner, the State has fully domesticated and operationalized key gender laws including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, the Women Economic Empowerment Policy, the Gender Affirmative Procurement Policy and the Kaduna State Disability Law.
Dr. Salisu noted that the government has strengthened the response to Gender-Based Violence through four Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), functional toll-free hotlines and an active Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group.
These structures, she said, ensure survivors receive timely and professional support.
She further revealed that women’s economic empowerment has been boosted through targeted initiatives such as the N5 billion intervention fund, skills training, free agricultural inputs for women farmers and enterprise financing for women-led businesses.
These programmes, she stressed, are lifting thousands of women out of poverty.
The Commissioner explained that women’s political participation has also improved, with more women now serving in key government positions, including the Deputy Governor, Commissioners, the Head of Service, and heads of agencies and parastatals.
On social inclusion, the State Government has expanded access to services for Persons with Disabilities through the fully operational Disability Affairs Board. Social protection programmes, including job creation, cash transfers and livelihood support, are also reaching vulnerable households across the State.
Dr. Salisu added that Kaduna’s participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has deepened citizen engagement, especially in planning and budgeting processes. The recent town hall meetings, she said, reflect the State’s commitment to inclusive governance.
She said the State has also made remarkable strides in child protection through the operationalization of the Child Welfare and Protection Law and the establishment of four family courts to ensure swift justice for children. The children’s diversion programme has supported 85 young beneficiaries with school enrollment, mentorship and psychosocial services.
The Commissioner listed other achievements including strengthening community-based child safeguarding structures, enrolling 10,000 Almajiri children into formal schools, and supporting adolescent girls with education and protection services.
She also noted that social workers, volunteers and first responders have been trained to enhance child protection delivery.
Dr. Salisu disclosed that Kaduna has developed a comprehensive GBV and Child Protection Directory and Referral Protocol, which will be launched during the 2025 16 Days of Activism.
She said community child protection committees and expanded welfare services remain vital to safeguarding children.
She stressed that investments in schools, health centres, water systems, rural roads, youth hubs and MSMEs are boosting human capital development and expanding economic opportunities.
The government, she added, has mainstreamed gender and inclusion across all MDAs for equitable development.
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming Kaduna State Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners, civil society organizations and community actors to sustain gains in gender equality, child protection and inclusive growth.
