   1.3                 1.4   1.5 The Northern States of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, and Borno, where the Shari’a Legal system is being applied, have witnessed commitment of government to the welfare of the less privileged children, notably orphans and the numerous child beggars prevalent in those states. The Shari’a Legal system does not provide for adoption but allows for fostering and inheritance rights defined by a will (Wasiyyah) for fostered children, thereby guarding against possible discrimination against such children. There are ongoing efforts across the country by NGOs to scale up children participation in decision making in schools - particularly in the areas of school administration, drafting school’s time table, choice of prefects and involvement in Parent/Teachers Association meetings. Policy Measures taken to deal with cultural practices affecting women and children. National Strategy to End Child Marriage in Nigeria 2016-2021 National Policy on Maternal and Child Health —Federal Ministry of Health, (1994). Gender policy for the Nigeria Police Force, September 2012 (awaiting Strategic Framework for Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation). Jigawa State Gender Policy, A Holistic Approach Towards Women Development, May 2013. Ekiti State Gender Policy, 2011. National Child Policy 2007 and its Strategic Plan of Action/Implementation Framework. National Policy on protection and assistance to victims of trafficking, 2008. National Health Strategic Development Plan 2010-2015 The National Policy on Food and Nutrition in Nigeria 2001 addresses among others, cultural nutritional practices that cause deficiencies associated with high rate of infant mortality and morbidity. HIV/AIDS National Strategic Framework for Action, 2005-2009. National Strategic Plan for Reproductive Health Commodity Security (2003). National Guidelines on micronutrients Deficiencies control in Nigeria (2005). National Guidelines and Strategies for Malaria Prevention Control During Pregnancy (2005). National Reproductive Health and Strategic Framework and Plan 2002-2006. National Strategic Framework and Plan for VVF Eradication in Nigeria (2005-2010). National Strategic Framework on the Health and Development of Adolescent and Young People in Nigeria —Federal Ministry of Health (2007-2011). Policy Measures to Accelerate Equality and Equal Protection The National Gender Policy 2006 provides the framework for ensuring the acceleration of equality between men and women. The document specifies guidelines for the promotion of gender equality in all sectors of the economy. National Gender Policy Strategic Implementation Framework and Plan, 2008. Jigawa State Gender Policy Action Plan. Special Measures Taken to Ensure Equality between Men and Women Progress on Nationality and Women in Nigeria The major issue with nationality and women in Nigeria is with section 26(2) of the 1999 Constitution which stipulates who a citizen of Nigeria is and how citizenship may be acquired by 42