Zamfara Targets 1m Women, Girls For Empowerment

Zamfara State government has reaffirmed its commitment to the domestication and implementation of the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy targeting one million women and girls .

A statement by Suleiman Aliyu Gusau, information officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said the policy is a strategic initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of over one million women, girls, persons with special needs and other marginalised groups across the state.

It stated that “the commitment was reiterated by the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Aisha M.Z. Anka, during a three-day workshop from 29 May to 1st June 2026, on the Five-Year Domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy in Zamfara State, held at Karma Guest Inn, Sokoto.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Garba Aliyu Gayari, the Commissioner stated that promoting women’s education, protection and financial inclusion would not only improve their economic wellbeing but also strengthen family livelihoods and contribute to sustainable community development.

Dr. Anka noted that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated strong commitment to the advancement of women through policies and programmes that promote inclusion in education, agriculture, healthcare and political leadership.

The statement said empowering women and girls is essential for meaningful participation in the economic growth and development of the state.

“We need more partnerships from the Federal Government, the World Bank and other development partners to support women in Zamfara State socially, politically and economically for sustainable development,” she said.

The Commissioner also urged participants drawn from government agencies, parastatals, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional institutions and religious bodies to contribute actively to the domestication process while ensuring that the policy aligns with the norms and values of the people of Zamfara State.

Earlier, the consultant engaged by Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Mrs. Damaris Uja, explained that the workshop was organised by Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, supported by Women Environmental Programme (WEP) a Non governmental organisation (NGO) to strengthen women’s and youths’ access to the sustainable environmental, socio-political and economic development initiatives.

She identified environmental pollution, gender-based violence (GBV), and lack of financial inclusion as some of the major challenges affecting women and girls in many parts of the country.

Speaking during the policy review and validation session, the lead facilitator, Prof. Magdalyne Dura, described the domestication process as a collective responsibility that requires collaboration among all stakeholders in Zamfara State.

“This review and validation process requires teamwork and commitment from stakeholders who understand the socio-economic realities of the state. My role is to guide the process towards achieving a policy that reflects the aspirations and values of the people of Zamfara State,” she said.

Prof. Dura further encouraged participants to work together in ensuring that the policy is effectively domesticated in line with the cultural and Islamic values of the state.

Participants at the workshop made valuable contributions and recommendations towards developing a comprehensive and practical Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy that will address the needs of women, girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across Zamfara State.