Kaduna State has been honoured with the Best Government Supporting Women and Their Families Award at the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW 2025), held in Abuja.
The prestigious national award recognises subnational governments and institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to women’s empowerment through progressive policies and programmes.
Kaduna’s selection highlights its pioneering reforms in institutionalising gender-responsive governance under the leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani.
Key initiatives that earned the state this recognition include the approval of a Women Affirmative Procurement Policy, the implementation of Gender-Responsive Procurement, and the establishment of a dedicated Gender-Responsive Department within the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA).
A Gender Desk was also created within KADPPA to ensure inclusivity standards are upheld across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Delivering goodwill remarks at the event, Dr. Nita Byack George, a renowned administrator and women’s empowerment advocate, commended Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership in mainstreaming gender inclusivity into governance.
“As someone who has dedicated years to advocating for women’s health, empowerment, and leadership inclusion at both national and international levels, I am heartened to see the real impact of deliberate, gender-responsive governance,” she said.
Dr. George further praised Kaduna’s reforms as a model for other states across Nigeria, noting that the administration is not just talking about inclusivity but institutionalising it.
The Voice of Women (VOW) Conference and Awards is a flagship national platform for promoting gender equity and social inclusion, attracting participants from government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.
Kaduna’s recognition cements its reputation as a progressive, people-centred state government that prioritises women’s empowerment, inclusive economic participation, and family welfare through deliberate policy action and institutional reforms — setting a national benchmark in gender-responsive governance.
PR: Adamu Yusuf
