By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Advocates for the full implementation of the Kaduna State Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy have called on the state government to reflect its proposed ₦5 billion commitment in the 2027 budget, while urging the media to sustain pressure for accountability and effective implementation.

The call was made at a media engagement meeting on the Kaduna State WEE Policy 2024–2028, held on Wednesday, to strengthen collaboration between the advocacy team and media professionals in promoting public awareness, accountability and stakeholder engagement towards effective implementation of the policy.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to examine the policy’s objectives, assess progress made by the advocacy team and highlight the importance of sustained media attention in ensuring that government commitments translate into concrete action.

Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director of Oak Agric, Oguike Wisdom, said no committee had been inaugurated to coordinate the implementation of the policy, raising concerns about the government’s progress in translating its provisions into practical programmes.

Wisdom, who said his organisation was advocating for the full implementation of the policy, explained that it was designed to improve women’s economic participation, particularly among vulnerable groups and persons living with disabilities.

He disclosed that engagements with relevant government authorities indicated efforts to capture the policy in the 2027 budget, but the initial attempt was returned for further restructuring.

According to him, the Director of Planning explained that a policy statement could not simply be inserted into the budget without being linked to specific programmes.

He said the Ministry of Women Affairs, as the coordinating ministry, was working towards developing programmes to facilitate implementation, but noted that effective inter-ministerial coordination was necessary to ensure that funds reached the relevant ministries.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the WEE Policy is captured in the 2027 budget, particularly in view of the government’s commitment and the ₦5 billion pledge made by the governor.

“We want to see the ₦5 billion allocated and reflected in the budget, with a clear indication that the money is dedicated to achieving the objectives of the policy and ensuring its full implementation,” he said.

Also speaking, facilitator Sekyen Dadik urged journalists to use their platforms to promote public understanding of the policy, monitor government commitments and hold stakeholders accountable for its implementation.

Speaking on “Achieving Expected Advocacy Results: The Role of the Media,” Dadik described the media as a strategic partner in advocacy, stressing the need for consistent, accurate and impact-driven reporting.

She encouraged journalists to amplify women’s voices and report on issues such as access to finance, skills development, entrepreneurship and rural economic participation, while moving beyond event-based coverage to stories that demonstrate actual improvements in women’s lives.

She also emphasised the importance of fact-checking, balanced reporting and respect for the dignity and privacy of women.

The Kaduna State WEE Policy 2024–2028 seeks to increase women’s economic participation, improve access to resources, strengthen entrepreneurship, remove barriers to economic opportunities and promote inclusive growth.

While Wisdom emphasised the need for adequate budgetary provision and coordination among ministries, Dadik called for sustained media engagement to ensure accountability and translate policy commitments into tangible results.