The Catalysing Strengthened Policy for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) project, has trained 1,700 women in its Social Analysis and Action (SAA) sessions in Kebbi.
The Gender Technical Officer of the project, Mrs. Sarah Abana, made this known this at the graduation ceremony of the participants held on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.
Abana said the beneficiaries were members of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) drawn from the four CASCADE implementing local government areas of Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Bunza, and Suru.
She explained that the women completed a 10-month SAA training programme between November 2024 and August 2025.
Abana added that the sessions were designed to challenge social norms, beliefs, and practices around gender roles, empower communities to address power imbalances, and promote long-term social transformation.
“ Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements of our VSLA participants who have completed the Social Analysis and Action sessions.
“ SAA helps communities understand and challenge harmful social norms while empowering participants to make positive changes in their lives and communities,” she said.
Abana noted that the training equipped the participants with critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, leadership, and community mobilisation skills.
“ It has also improved their knowledge of rights and entitlements, enabling them to work collectively for social change in their communities,” she added.
Abana urged stakeholders, including community leaders and policy-makers, to continue supporting and investing in SAA initiatives to build a more just and equitable society.
A cross- section of the beneficiaries when interviewed shared their experiences, while describing the project as life-changing.
Malam Fasila Muhammad from Bunza LGA said the sessions strengthened family unity, promoted tolerance, and encouraged husbands’ participation in domestic activities.
Similarly, Malama Ummita Anas from Birnin Kebbi LGA said women in her area had learnt to prepare nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients.
“ CASCADE has really touched the lives of women in this area.
” Many now visit hospitals for antenatal care, delivery, and other health services.
“ We were also supported with orange-fleshed sweet potato, okra, moringa, tomato, and pepper seeds to boost family nutrition,” she said.
Also speaking , a traditional leader in Argungu, Alhaji Garba Umar-Dikko, commended the women for their commitment and urged them to share their knowledge with others.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Suru Local Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Kwakwara, applauded CASCADE for mentoring and empowering women across the benefiting communities.
“ We appreciate CASCADE for its continuous support in promoting positive social practices and improving the well-being of women and families,” he said.