The Zamfara State Government says it has invested billions of naira in women education and economic empowerment programmes across the fourteen local government areas of the state as part of efforts to improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and strengthen grassroots development.
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The disclosure was made by Garba Aliyu Gayari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, during a three-day workshop on women economic empowerment organised by the Gender Department under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at Black Diamond Hotel.
Gayari said the state government under Governor Dauda Lawal has prioritised women development through education support initiatives, entrepreneurship programmes, and small-scale business grants targeted at vulnerable women across the state.
According to him, the administration has continued to introduce empowerment schemes aimed at reviving women-owned businesses while encouraging economic independence among women in rural and urban communities.
He explained that beneficiaries are provided with financial support after participating in business and entrepreneurship training programmes designed to help them build sustainable sources of income.
Gayari noted that the impact of the interventions is already being felt across the fourteen LGAs, with many women now able to support their families financially and contribute more actively to community development.
He said women empowerment remains important to tackling insecurity and social vulnerability, especially at the grassroots level.
“Empowered women invest in peace within their households and communities. They are better positioned to guide and nurture their children, instilling positive values, discipline, and resilience in those who will become the leaders of tomorrow,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary also said empowered women are more likely to prioritise the education of their children by ensuring regular school attendance and reducing dropout rates.
He acknowledged the role of the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, in advancing women-focused programmes through partnerships with the office of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other development partners.
According to him, the collaboration has helped the state record progress in women education and empowerment programmes in recent years.
Gayari listed some of the intervention programmes introduced by the government to include women skills acquisition initiatives, conditional cash transfers, reproductive health sensitisation, support for small-scale businesses, and digital economic empowerment schemes for women.
“These programmes have brought renewed hope to women across the state and improved the wellbeing of many families,” he added.
He further stated that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the World Bank, and other development organisations to sustain women empowerment programmes across Zamfara State.
