IWD: We’re committed to protecting women, vulnerable persons – Zamfara govt

The Zamfara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to support women and other vulnerable groups through advocacy and empowerment, saying government is committed to protecting women. working closely with partners on conflict resolution.

This was disclosed by the Zamfara State Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, during a dialogue session organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) for the commemoration of International Women’s Day, held today at Jaiz Hotel in Gusau, state capital.

According to the Commissioner, the state government is working closely with communities, stakeholders, and development partners to support women, particularly those facing economic hardship.

The commissioner who was represented by the Deputy Director Women, Malama Lubabatu Jibril, stated that Governor Dauda Lawal is committed to improving the livelihoods of women through skills acquisition programmes across the 14 local government areas of the state.

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“The present administration has implemented several initiatives aimed at empowering women, including programmes spearheaded by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal,” she revealed.

She noted that the First Lady has initiated various empowerment programmes, including financial support to over 500 women with ₦50,000 each and the distribution food items in the state.

“She highlighted that the First Lady facilitated the marriage of about 200 orphaned and underprivileged girls, providing empowerment support for both the brides and grooms, and further explained that programmes supporting Persons Living with Disabilities (PWD) and elderly citizens were also implemented to improve livelihoods and social well-being of citizens,” she explained.

She maintained that dialogue provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions, strengthen advocacy and develop strategies aimed at protecting women and other vulnerable groups.

Earlier Speaking, the Lead Facilitator of the dialogue session, Ambassador Musa Umar Aboki, said that the session was organised to support the Zamfara State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in addressing conflicts affecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Ambassador Musa Aboki revealed that the dialogue session brought together government representatives, community leaders, media, women and youth group, PWD and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical ways of addressing the social crises affecting communities.

“Poverty, excessive materialism, lack of education, and poor parental care are among the major factors fueling social vices in society”. He stated.

In her paper presentation titled “Mitigating the Lingering Social Conflict Through Inclusive Women Participation in Peace Decision-Making,” the Executive Director of Gender Initiative for Sustainable Development, Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim Gusau, emphasized the importance of including women in conflict mediation and peace negotiations.