The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO) has called for greater media empowerment and representation for women pastoralists in Kano State, North West Nigeria.
This advocacy follows a recent research study conducted by FUDECO in collaboration with Supporting Policy Action for Reform and Knowledge through Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (SPARK GES), with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Speaking during the unveiling of the research findings in Kano, Co-Lead of the programme, Hajiya Maryam Yusuf Bayero, explained that the study aimed to examine the media landscape in relation to pastoralist women, assess their media access and participation, identify challenges, and propose actionable strategies to foster inclusive media development.
“Women in pastoralist communities face double marginalisation—first by gender and then by their socio-economic status within these often-marginalised and mobile populations,” Bayero said.
She noted that although pastoralist women in Kano are underrepresented in the media and face various barriers, the findings reveal a strong willingness and potential among them to engage with media platforms.
“With appropriate investment in infrastructure, training, and policy advocacy, media could become a powerful tool for amplifying their voices and promoting their inclusion in development discussions.”
Also speaking, the Kano State Chairman of FUDECO, Abdullahi Isa, emphasised the importance of the findings in shaping government and stakeholder interventions aimed at improving the livelihoods of pastoralist women.
“It is essential that rural women pastoralists have regular access to information about government programmes, policies, and their elected representatives. We aim to partner with the state government and other NGOs to design solutions that address the gaps identified in this study.”
Professor Mainasara Kurfi of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, praised the research, stressing the need for effective communication strategies to reach and educate women pastoralists about the role of media in enhancing their economic and social well-being.
“Media is life. Without communication, there is no society. Consistent engagement will not solve all issues overnight, but it can create meaningful impact over time.”
Representing the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, the Hakimin Gundumar Rigiyar Lemo, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Sadiq, pledged the support of the traditional institution to FUDECO’s mission, highlighting the importance of inclusive development.
Other stakeholders at the event commended the research and echoed calls for increased support for women in pastoralist communities.