To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched a groundbreaking training program for 600 women hailing from all 27 local government areas within the state. This initiative, part of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited movement, seeks to equip young individuals with essential skills, employment prospects, and entrepreneurial pathways, focusing on upcycling waste straps to create marketable products, combat climate change, and foster economic empowerment.
Empowering Women Through Innovation and Sustainability
During the unveiling of this transformative training program at the Banquet Hall, Government House in Dutse, Amina Namadi, the Governor’s wife, expressed her enthusiasm for this joint effort between UNICEF and the Jigawa State Government. She articulated that the collaboration exemplifies the state’s dedication to environmental sustainability, waste-to-wealth strategies, and initiatives supporting women’s empowerment. Namadi underscored the significance of working together to safeguard the environment, encourage innovation, and empower women, emphasizing the critical role women play in steering change within their families, local communities, and beyond.
Namadi highlighted the tangible impact of repurposing plastic straps into marketable goods, providing a practical solution for managing plastic waste and addressing climate change challenges. This unique approach not only contributes to environmental conservation but also offers women a platform for economic growth, underscoring the importance of women’s involvement in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Women’s Inclusion
Sanitarian Adamu Sabo, the Managing Director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency, echoed the sentiment that women are pivotal agents of change, especially when equipped with education, resources, and decision-making authority. He emphasized that empowering women with the necessary skills and tools enables them to lead efforts in environmental conservation, waste reduction, and climate resilience. Through the Waste to Wealth Initiative embraced by the Jigawa State Government, waste is transformed into valuable products, generating income for women waste pickers, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs while fostering environmental sustainability.
Sabo emphasized the program’s focus on enhancing youth engagement and skill development, particularly for women, to ensure economic independence and empowerment. Participants like Aishatu Sabitu and Hauwa Garba shared their excitement about the training, expressing eagerness to learn how to convert waste into wealth, not only for financial gain but also to contribute to a cleaner environment. Their stories resonate with the broader narrative of women seeking to acquire new skills, start businesses, and play a crucial role in shaping their local economies and environments.
As the global community commemorates International Women’s Day 2025, the partnership between the Jigawa state government and UNICEF stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. This collaborative effort not only empowers women and youth to take ownership of their environment and economic future but also sets a precedent for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Through initiatives like these, women are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous society.