Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Sunday launch the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) in Katsina State, flagging off the Community Investment Fund (CIF) designed to expand economic opportunities for women across Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas.
Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, who disclosed this at a press conference heralding the launch, said the Fund will provide direct financial support to 57,432 women, describing it as a decisive intervention to strengthen women’s economic participation, especially among poor and vulnerable households.
According to the programme framework, beneficiaries will be mobilised into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) as platforms for building savings, accessing financial and non-financial services, strengthening enterprises and connecting women to markets.
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Reaffirming the inclusive design of the programme, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist and Task Team Leader for the Nigeria for Women Programme, Michael Ilesanmi, said the initiative is open to all eligible women, including persons with disabilities:
“Every woman aged 18 and above in the implementing communities is eligible to participate. The programme is intentionally inclusive, reaching vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, who are already participating actively and excelling in Katsina State. Regardless of background, every eligible woman can join.”
He explained that participation in WAGs will enable beneficiaries to build social capital that can be leveraged to improve access to financial, economic and civic opportunities.
The launch is expected to convene Federal and State Government officials, development partners, women groups and other stakeholders as Katsina begins a new phase of broadening women’s economic inclusion.
