Women and Youth

Rabi Isma
Roundtable meeting on Kano Yaradua centre, Abuja

24 May 2011

Population stats*

4,844,128 males 4,539,554 females

Males
Percentage in wage employment 91.9%

Females
8.1%

*2006 census

Problems women face

Poverty High illiteracy levels Lack of access to education Early marriage Lack of access to quality healthcare Little protection from domestic violence Violation of womens rights / traditional roles Minimal role in / excluded from decision making

Youth

Poverty Low literacy Low enrolment rates Unemployment Frustration and disillusionment Drug abuse Other health-related issues

Risk Factors

Rapid population growth Increasing pressure on resources Low IGR Declining quality of education Almajiri phenomenon Deficient facilities Dying industries Ineffective public planning Corruption

Recommendations

In-depth research and analysis to identify and implement effective programmes / interventions Strong, committed leadership Inclusive participation of women in the public decision making process Affirmative action strategies / special measures with clear targets (e.g. vocational / job centres) Gender and youth responsive budgets Strong laws backed by resources and implementation Accountability Engagement with stakeholders M&E

Vocational training/dev
Interventions

Participation

Rights

Literacy

In their own words

Leaders own children go to private schools so they do not care about the public system. We have no seats or equipment. (young teacher, male)
I believe if the government can make the health and education systems function properly then it will be a better place. These two systems dictate productivity and socio economic status. (recent graduate, female) If things functioned properly, my neighbours at home would not go for natal care and end up giving birth at home because the medical personnel of the hospital maltreat them. (student, female)

Some of them (politicians) started out as young men who didnt cultivate a reading habit. This means they didnt have the information needed to lead their people. The youths of today are gradually towing that line and someday some of us here who aspire for political positions will get there without anything in our brains and well behave worse than them. (self employed, male)

Women and youth have a crucial role to play in Kanos development. Enhancing the options of women and youth will boost the states economy and move it closer to actualizing its potential

Thank you