Kano Empowers Women Entrepreneurs With Processing Equipment

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment through the distribution of food processing machines to 10 beneficiaries under the Women Against Violence Empowered through Sustainability (WAVES II) Project.

The intervention, facilitated by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, is aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods and reducing vulnerabilities linked to gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during the distribution ceremony at the Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) office in Kano, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdullahi Ajumawa, who represented the Commissioner, said the initiative aligns with government efforts to promote economic independence among women.

He said empowering women financially remains critical to reducing exposure to gender-based violence, urging beneficiaries to make effective use of the equipment to expand their businesses and improve household incomes.

“This support is part of our commitment to ensuring that women are self-reliant and economically stable,” he said.

Ajumawa added that the gesture fulfils a pledge made during the WAVES project showcase, where the ministry committed to providing capital support to selected beneficiaries.

The Chief Operating Officer of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, the implementing partner, commended the state government for sustaining collaboration on women-focused empowerment programmes.

She stressed the importance of partnerships between government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and communities in driving economic inclusion and protecting vulnerable groups.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as life-changing.

One beneficiary, Mardiyya, said the support had enabled her to return her children to school and improve her household welfare through increased income from her business.

Another beneficiary, Hauwa’u, said the combination of entrepreneurship and climate-smart farming training, alongside equipment support, had strengthened her ability to contribute to family income.

The WAVES II Project, implemented by BCAI with support from the Embassy of France in Nigeria, promotes sustainable livelihoods, women’s economic inclusion and community resilience through skills development, enterprise support and GBV prevention strategies.