Claiming the Future: Summit Charts Path for Women’s Leadership in Southern Kaduna

By Abubakar Labaran

Stakeholders, women leaders, and development partners have rallied for a significant increase in women's participation in leadership and governance. The call was made during the Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) Summit and Fundraising held on Sunday in Kafanchan.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Jerry Adams, underscored that the well-being of society is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of women. He highlighted women’s critical role in moulding character at home and in the community. Commending the organisers for assembling a high calibre of participants, he urged attendees to remain focused and determined, emphasizing that great achievements often start from humble beginnings.

In her opening address, SOKATWA President Mrs. Belinda Augustine Istifanus described the summit as a defining, mission-driven moment aimed at repositioning women as central actors in leadership. She stated the association was founded to support, empower, and advance women, particularly in politics and governance.

“Despite our numbers and capacity, women’s participation in politics in Southern Kaduna remains disappointingly low, largely due to inadequate political awareness at the grassroots,” Mrs. Istifanus noted. She declared that SOKATWA has chosen “action over lamentation, participation over self-pity, and leadership over silence,” vowing to drive a generational shift for women’s rightful voice and visibility.

The 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, delivered a keynote address, endorsing the summit’s theme, “My Voice, My Choice, My Future,” as both apt and inspiring. She charged women to take responsibility for shaping their destinies, decide on the impact they wish to make, and work deliberately toward leaving a lasting legacy. She also called on men to be steadfast allies and encouraged participants not to despair in building a better future.

Acting as Father of the Day, Mr. Abdulmalik Durunguwa cautioned the association against partisan politics and tribal divisions, urging unity and a steadfast focus on SOKATWA’s core objectives.

Adding his voice, Mr. Simon Reef Musa praised the strength and resilience of Southern Kaduna women. He urged them to pursue common goals and build bridges across communities to attract development and foster unity.

The summit concluded with a unified call for sustained mentorship, partnership, and support from all genders to translate SOKATWA’s vision into measurable impact across Southern Kaduna.

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