A Non-Governmental Organization, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), has trained 50 selected women from 11 local government areas of Kano state on climate-smart agriculture.
Speaking during the workshop program in Kano, BCAI’s communication officer, Juliet Nwobodo, said the initiative, under the Women Against Violence Empowerment through Sustainability (WAVES) Project, funded through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is aimed at creating a robust network of women entrepreneurs.
According to her, the women, for over some time, have been engaged in GBV awareness and business development to improve their economic security and reduce Gender Based Violence (GBV) through sustainable business and agricultural practices.
“We have also carried out advocacy visits to key stakeholders, assessing the implementation of the VAPP Act and advocating for the effective operationalisation of the only Sexual Assault Referral Center in the State,” she added.
In her remarks, BCAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Fatima Aliyu, said participants were also introduced to innovative practices, such as organic pest control, waste recycling, water management, and climate-resilient crop varieties, to enhance productivity while preserving the environment.
While emphasising the need for the government to scale the program to more women nationwide, she said a state like Kano has vast economic potential, with women contributing significantly.
Still, as a result of entrenched gender inequality and widespread GBV, such as child marriage and rape, women’s economic opportunities are limited.
