Zamfara Commits to Enhancing Collaboration for Women's Issues

The Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has expressed its commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to tackle the challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups.

This statement was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha M. Z. Anka, during a dialogue held in Gusau to celebrate International Women’s Day, which was organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development.

Representing the commissioner, Malama Lubabatu Jibril, who serves as the Deputy Director in the ministry, highlighted that the state government is actively engaging with local communities and development partners to assist women enduring economic difficulties.

As part of its initiatives, the administration led by Dauda Lawal has launched skills acquisition programs across all 14 local government areas in Zamfara, aimed at enhancing women's livelihoods.

Furthermore, several empowerment programs have been implemented through the Office of the First Lady, Hurriya Dauda Lawal. These initiatives include financial aid of ₦50,000 each to over 500 women, the distribution of 25kg bags of rice, and support for the marriages of approximately 200 orphaned and underprivileged girls.

The commissioner noted that the First Lady has also initiated programs targeting the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

She emphasized that empowering women, particularly mothers, is crucial for fostering peace and stability at the community level, stating, “Women, especially mothers, play vital roles in combating social ills and preventing violence and extremism at the grassroots.”

Musa Umar Aboki, the lead facilitator of the dialogue, pointed out that the program's goal is to boost advocacy and community involvement in addressing conflicts that impact women and children. He identified poverty, lack of education, and inadequate parental guidance as some of the primary factors contributing to social issues.

He urged collaboration among community members to resolve these challenges collaboratively.

In her presentation titled “Mitigating the Lingering Social Conflict Through Inclusive Women Participation in Peace Decision-Making,” Rabi Ibrahim Gusau, Executive Director of the Gender Initiative for Sustainable Development, underscored the importance of including women in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts. She referenced successful examples from countries like Colombia and Liberia, where women played instrumental roles in sustaining peace initiatives.

Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau, represented by the Secretary of the Gusau Emirate Council, Alhaji Sambo A. Sambo, acknowledged the efforts of the organizers and reiterated the critical role women have in nurturing families and ensuring social stability.