Katsina fund to provide financial support to 57,432 women

Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to launch the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up in Katsina State on Sunday, with 57,432 women expected to receive direct financial support through the Community Investment Fund. The initial beneficiaries will be drawn from Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas. The programme is intended to expand economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and reduce poverty among poor and vulnerable households.

Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs Aisha Aminu Malumfashi described the initiative as a transformative programme that would increase women’s participation in economic activity through financial assistance and community-based support structures. Beneficiaries will be organised into Women Affinity Groups. Through the groups, women will build savings, access financial and non-financial services, strengthen their businesses and connect to wider markets.

World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist Michael Ilesanmi said eligible women aged 18 and above, including persons with disabilities, could participate. He said the programme would provide financial literacy, enterprise development skills and improved access to finance, markets and productive opportunities. Ilesanmi said the programme would also support sustainable livelihoods and help women respond to climate change.

He said Katsina had expanded the programme from six local government areas to all 34, committing more than ₦8.5 billion in counterpart funding over two years. The expanded programme is expected to reach nearly 800,000 women across the state.