Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the first female deputy governor of Kaduna State, has made significant strides in advancing women’s roles and improving the socio-economic conditions of her state since assuming office in 2019. Her leadership has not only broken gender barriers but has also had a lasting impact on various sectors, especially concerning women’s empowerment and health.
Background
Since assuming office as the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe has been a driving force in transforming the lives of women and advancing gender equality. Her initiatives have significantly impacted the socio-economic landscape of Kaduna State, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.
A medical doctor by training, Dr. Balarabe has been instrumental in driving health sector reforms in Kaduna. Under her leadership, the state government focused on improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for women and children. Her efforts contributed to the renovation and modernization of 23 general hospitals across the state, ensuring better maternal and child health services. Moreover, the administration she served in also expanded primary healthcare coverage to all 255 wards in Kaduna, making essential health services more accessible, especially in rural areas where women and children are most vulnerable.
Achievements and Impact on Women
- Educational Support for Girls: Dr. Balarabe has spearheaded initiatives to combat the high dropout rates among adolescent girls. Through these efforts, over 800 girls have received educational kits, ensuring they stay in school and pursue their education without interruption. Additionally, the state government, under her leadership, has embarked on building approximately 100 schools across the state by 2025 to further promote education for all, with a particular focus on the girl-child.
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Programs: In collaboration with international partners like UN Women and the Norwegian Government, Dr. Balarabe has launched several programs aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. These initiatives include promoting women’s participation in politics, supporting women-led businesses through affirmative procurement practices, and advancing the HeForShe campaign to engage men in the fight for gender equality
- Healthcare Accessibility: Dr. Balarabe has played a pivotal role in improving healthcare services for women in Kaduna State. Through the state’s health insurance plan, approximately 79,000 vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and children, have gained access to affordable and quality healthcare. This initiative has significantly reduced maternal mortality rates and improved overall health outcomes for women.
- Support for Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Under Dr. Balarabe’s tenure, the state has strengthened its response to gender-based violence by establishing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and designating courts as Family Courts to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence. These measures have provided critical support and justice for survivors, ensuring their safety and dignity.
Other Notable Contributions
- Community Mobilization for Health Initiatives: Dr. Balarabe has been instrumental in mobilizing local communities to participate in health initiatives, particularly the state’s health insurance scheme. By engaging local council chairmen and community leaders, she has expanded awareness and enrollment in the scheme, particularly among women in the informal sector
- Promotion of Women’s Representation: Dr. Balarabe has actively supported the increase of women’s representation in governance. Her administration’s efforts include initiatives to ensure that more women are involved in decision-making processes at various levels of government, thus empowering them to contribute to policy-making and development initiatives.
In Summary
In the realm of economic empowerment, Dr. Balarabe has played a pivotal role through her chairmanship of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA). Under her stewardship, Kaduna has attracted substantial investments that have translated into job creation, benefiting women significantly. She has also championed initiatives aimed at encouraging women entrepreneurs, which has seen more women actively participating in the state’s economic activities.
Her contributions extend beyond health and economics. In politics, Dr. Balarabe has been a unifying force within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna, particularly in Southern Kaduna, which has historically been an opposition stronghold. Her leadership has strengthened the party’s presence in the region, leading to increased political engagement among women.
In recognition of her numerous contributions, Dr. Balarabe was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2022. This award celebrated her dedication to public service and her role in uplifting women in Kaduna State. She dedicated the award to all women in the state, further cementing her commitment to women’s empowerment.
Dr. Balarabe’s tenure as deputy governor has been marked by her relentless pursuit of improving the lives of women through healthcare, economic empowerment, and political inclusion. Her legacy continues to inspire many, and her impact on Kaduna State is a testament to the possibilities that arise when women are in leadership positions.
As she continues her work, the impact of her initiatives will likely resonate far beyond her tenure, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.
