Women leaders seek more govt support for farming, action on child trafficking, early marriage in Niger
Women network leaders participating in the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FG/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) are advocating for enhanced government support for agricultural activities. They are also calling for intensified efforts to address the rising incidence of child trafficking and early marriage among girls in Niger State.
During a capacity-building program held in Bida, the women emphasized the importance of access to government officials in raising awareness about challenges affecting their communities. These challenges include agricultural support, women’s welfare, and the protection of vulnerable children.
The event was organized for network leaders representing women, youth, and persons with disabilities, focusing on advocacy and lobbying strategies to foster change. Although some participants reported successful meetings with leaders who responded to their concerns, they expressed frustration at their inability to secure appointments with various state and local government authorities.
Among the key issues raised by the women leaders is the urgent need for increased government support for women farmers. They believe that better support can help these farmers expand their operations, enhance production, and make significant contributions to their households and communities.
Additionally, the participants stressed the need for collective action against child trafficking and early marriage, calling for stronger partnerships between the government, community networks, and other stakeholders. They argue that grassroots women’s networks are well-positioned to identify the specific challenges women and girls face and should be granted opportunities to engage directly with policymakers.
Hajarat T. Mohammed and Priscilla Ibrahim, representatives of the women’s network, highlighted the importance of continued dialogue with the government. They asserted that raising community-level concerns should lead to constructive engagement that results in actionable policies, resource allocation, and programs benefiting women and vulnerable groups.
For the network of people with disabilities, the advocacy training presented a chance to improve connections with organizations and government institutions. Some leaders indicated they had already received positive feedback from the entities they approached.
Muhammad Abubakar Enagi, Chairman of the E.I. People with Disabilities Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd., praised VCDP for incorporating farmers with disabilities into the program. He noted that this inclusion has boosted their confidence to engage in advocacy and policy-making processes.
Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed, the State Rural Institution Gender Mainstreaming Officer of VCDP, explained that the training aimed to equip networks with skills to analyze stakeholders effectively and foster constructive dialogue with decision-makers. She added that this capacity-building initiative will empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to advocate more effectively for policies and resources that meet their specific needs.
