By Sadiq Imam
The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century. March 8 was suggested by the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference to become an “International Woman’s Day.”
Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI) is a non- governmental and non-profit organization established with the aim of transforming the lives of the most vulnerable groups; they also empower the women, youth and children to enable them escape from the cycle of poverty through innovative and qualitative programmes. So far IWEI has empowered over 2000 women from 146 Cooperate groups.
IWEI with support from Dangote Foundation invited women cooperative association from their project LGAs which include: Dala, Kumbotso, Wudil, Warawa, Garun Malam, Rano, Bichi and Dawakin Tofa. All the associations had undertaken a series of trainings on different trades with the support of Mac Arthur Foundation.
The International Women’s Day Celebrations was organized at the Head office of IWEI situated at No. 10 Arakan Road, started by 12noon with prayer from Hajiya Munira; thereafter, the Executive Director of IWEI Hajiya Amina Hanga welcomed everybody for sparing time to come for the event, she added that the International Women’s Day is a very special day for every woman, that is why they thought of inviting the Cooperative groups they empowered to come and interact with other groups for a possible networking amongst them. She prays for a successful event.
Hajiya Umma Aminu, the Iyar Gari of Kano and sister to the Emir of Kano was the special guest at the occasion, she talked about the importance of International Women’s Day as the day to celebrate women’s achievements; she mentioned that there have been improvements in women development as a result of formation of cooperative societies in cities and villages, they often involve themselves in entrepreneurship activities. She urges women to train their kids on entrepreneurship skills early, so that they grow-up with the skill even before they start schooling. Finally she congratulates IWEI for organizing this memorable occasion. She mentioned that His Highness the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II is extending his kind regards to the organizers and women groups at the occasion, and pray for journey mercies for everybody present.
Talatu Bala, a member of one of the Cooperative association from Garun Malam Local Government commends the effort of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative for the relentless effort of supporting women groups from very far villages especially in terms of adult education. She added that the support they got from IWEI has impacted greatly in their lives; they have improved greatly in their rice processing business. She says now they are getting more and more profit that they can even save something. Talatu prays for Allah’s guidance to IWEI.
At the end the women groups entertain themselves with dances and pray for Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative to continue their good work.
