By Amina Anebi, Kaduna

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Kaduna State, Dr. Rabi Salisu, has called for practical and implementable policies to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), strengthen women's empowerment, and accelerate social development across the North-West region and the country at large.

She made the call while declaring open the North-West Pre-Council Technical Zonal Policy Sensitization for the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, held at the General Hassan Usman Katsina House in Kaduna.

The three-day engagement brought together the Minister of Women Affairs, commissioners responsible for women affairs and social development from the North-West states, permanent secretaries, directors, technical officers, development partners, civil society organisations, as well as traditional and religious leaders.

Welcoming participants, Dr. Salisu described the meeting as timely, noting that governments and stakeholders must intensify efforts to strengthen policies and improve outcomes for women, children, families, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

She said the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development remains one of the country's foremost policy platforms for shaping national priorities, fostering peer learning, and promoting coordinated action between the Federal and State Governments.

According to her, the pre-council process provides a valuable opportunity for technical reflection, evidence-based dialogue, and regional alignment ahead of the national council meeting. She stressed that the sensitisation should be viewed as a call to action rather than a routine preparatory exercise.

The commissioner noted that states across the North-West continue to contend with evolving social and economic realities that require innovative, coordinated, and inclusive responses from policymakers and development actors.

She identified key areas requiring urgent attention, including women's economic empowerment, child protection and safeguarding, social protection systems, youth development, disability inclusion, institutional strengthening, and the prevention of and response to Gender-Based Violence.

Dr. Salisu stressed that the growing concern over GBV demands sustained attention and strategic investment, warning that violence against women and girls continues to undermine social progress, human dignity, and community development.

She therefore urged policymakers, technical experts, and stakeholders to move beyond policy formulation by ensuring the effective implementation of programmes capable of delivering measurable impact at the community level.

The commissioner further encouraged participants to actively contribute to discussions and put forward practical recommendations that reflect the realities and aspirations of citizens, with a view to developing responsive and implementable policy positions that would accelerate sustainable social development.

She reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Uba Sani's administration to advancing inclusive policies and strengthening partnerships that expand opportunities for women and vulnerable groups, while acknowledging the support of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, development partners, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Salisu expressed confidence that the recommendations from the zonal sensitisation would enrich deliberations at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development and contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.