FG Showcases Gender, GBV Success Stories In Kano Under TRIMING Project

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, held a groundbreaking workshop in Kano to share the successes of gender mainstreaming and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention efforts under the World Bank-supported Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project.

With the theme “From Tradition to Transformation, Led by Women”, the event brought together stakeholders from across the country to reflect on how women and vulnerable groups have transitioned from being excluded in water governance to taking up leadership roles.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, praised TRIMING’s achievements in integrating gender across all project components. These include the establishment of GBV action plans, capacity-building for gender desk officers, and the empowerment of women through leadership positions in Water Users Associations (WUAs).

He emphasized that the project has not only strengthened irrigation systems but also reshaped community norms, promoted safety for women and girls, and aligned with global best practices. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the World Bank, and the Project Monitoring Unit for their continued support and called for these initiatives to be scaled across other national projects.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Director of Irrigation, Engr. Hauwa Sadique Mohammed, underscored the workshop’s role in highlighting how gender inclusion and GBV prevention have been embedded from the start of the project.

The Project Coordinator, Engr. Ipinlaye Olaiya, reinforced that the integration of gender considerations was not just an add-on, but a strategic move for lasting impact.

Goodwill messages came from river basin authorities, academics, and women’s affairs representatives from Gombe and Kano States—all stressing the need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to water and agricultural development.

A memorable moment of the event was the presentation of leadership badges to Women Leaders of Water Users Associations from Jigawa, Kano, Gombe, and Zamfara States—symbolizing a new era of female leadership in irrigation management.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji