By Ahmed Ali, Kafanchan
The Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) has challenged aspirants seeking elective positions in Southern Kaduna to present clear and actionable plans for women’s empowerment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at the 2026 Southern Kaduna Candidate Dialogue, organised by the association to scrutinise the manifestos of political aspirants and promote gender-responsive governance.
The dialogue, held in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, brought together aspirants from different political parties, women’s groups and other stakeholders to discuss policies and programmes for the development of women and girls.
In her opening remarks, SOKATWA President, Mrs Belinda Augustine, commended Governor Uba Sani for what she described as his inclusive governance and commitment to gender mainstreaming.
She said the administration had provided women with opportunities to participate in governance while promoting peace and sustainable development across the state.
Mrs Augustine said the dialogue was designed to move political promises beyond rhetoric by demanding concrete commitments from aspirants to address the needs of women and girls.
She identified girl-child education, maternal healthcare, economic empowerment and protection against gender-based violence as priority areas requiring urgent attention.
The SOKATWA president also urged the aspirants to commit to implementing the 35 per cent affirmative action for women if elected.
During their presentations, the aspirants outlined plans to promote women’s economic independence through skills acquisition, access to soft loans, support for women farmers, improved primary healthcare and legislation to protect the rights of women and girls.
Among those who presented their blueprints were Hon. Henry Marah, member representing Jaba Constituency; Hon. Manasseh Istifanus, African Democratic Congress (ADC) aspirant for Zangon Kataf Constituency; Monday Ishaku, Labour Party aspirant for Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency; and Hon. Ruth Yakubu Ishaya, member representing Kagarko Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Others included Jerry Adams, who was represented at the event, Amos Gandu and several other aspirants.
The aspirants commended SOKATWA for providing a platform for women to engage directly with political actors, describing the initiative as timely and significant to the democratic process.
The dialogue ended with a call on political parties and aspirants to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns and sustain engagement with women’s groups across Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas.
The event was attended by other dignitaries, including the deputy governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
