The Zamfara State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to promote women’s empowerment and protection in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Aisha M.Z. Anka, disclosed this during a women’s dialogue organised by IOM and the EU to mark the International Women’s Day in Gusau.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Garba Aliyu Gayari, the commissioner said the government remained dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment through education, protection and improved wellbeing.
In a statement by the ministry’s Information Officer, Suleiman Aliyu Gusau, Anka emphasised the need to engage women in small-scale enterprises as a pathway to economic independence and family stability.
She said skills acquisition programmes conducted across the 14 local government areas had benefited women, strengthened livelihoods and promoted peaceful coexistence.
The commissioner added that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal was focused on human capital development, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.
She noted that empowerment initiatives under the Office of the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, had impacted women, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
“Investing in women is not charity but a strategic driver of economic growth,” she said, urging women to shun conflict and embrace opportunities for personal and economic development.
Also speaking, Aisha Abdu Gusau encouraged women to pursue both Western and Islamic education and engage in small businesses.
An IOM representative said the initiative aimed at supporting the ministry in promoting and protecting women, especially at the grassroots, adding that the dialogue provided a platform for experience sharing and idea exchange.
In her remarks, the Director of Women Affairs, Hajiya Hajara Sani Abubakar, commended the state government and development partners for their support, describing women as key drivers of economic growth.
A traditional leader, Alhaji Siraj of Marafan Madawaki District, also lauded the initiative and pledged continued support from traditional institutions.