A NEW DAWN FOR WOMEN IN KANO – GAYA WOMEN REFORMATORY CENTER

By: Amb. Maryam Hassan

On behalf of LESPADA (League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse), we commend and celebrate the recent approval by His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, for the establishment of a Women Reformatory Center in Gaya LGA.

This is not only a welcome development,  it is a long-overdue intervention.

The number of women using drugs in Kano is rising at an alarming rate. According to NDLEA reports, over 1 million Nigerians are drug users and 1 in 4 is a woman. In Kano, women represent a hidden population,many suffer in silence, afraid of stigma, rejection, and lack of support. Yet, access to treatment remains extremely limited.

The Gaya Women Reformatory Center gives us hope. It means women can now receive treatment, counseling, rehabilitation and empowerment in a safe, gender-sensitive environment.

To ensure success, we must focus on: 

1. Qualified and empathetic healthcare & social workers 

2. Confidentiality and zero stigma policies

3. Vocational training and reintegration programs 

4. Mental health support 

5. Strong government-NGO collaboration 

6.  Community awareness to break the silence
At LESPADA, we remain committed to supporting this noble project and advocating for dignity, recovery and empowerment for all women affected by drug abuse.

Let’s break the cycle and rebuild lives. 

Amb. Maryam Hassan Executive Director League For Societal Prevention Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA) writes from Kano State, Nigeria.