**Zamfara Shines a Light on Women's Empowerment** In commemoration of International Women's Day, the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reiterated its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, especially women. This promise was made during a dialogue session in Gusau, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges facing women and other vulnerable groups in the state. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha M. Z. Anka, represented by Deputy Director Malama Lubabatu Jibril, outlined the state government's initiatives to address economic hardships faced by women. One such initiative is the skills acquisition programme, which has been rolled out across the 14 local government areas in the state. This programme aims to equip women with the necessary skills to improve their livelihoods. The First Lady of Zamfara, Hurriya Dauda Lawal, has also been at the forefront of empowering women, with several initiatives aimed at supporting women's economic development. These initiatives include providing financial support of ₦50,000 each to over 500 women, distributing 25kg bags of rice, and supporting the marriage of about 200 orphaned and underprivileged girls. In addition to these initiatives, the First Lady has also launched programmes targeting persons living with disabilities and elderly citizens. This inclusive approach is a testament to the state government's commitment to promoting peace and stability at the community level. As the Commissioner for Women Affairs pointed out, empowering women, particularly mothers, is crucial in preventing social vices and promoting peace in the community. Mothers play a vital role in educating their children and instilling values that promote social cohesion. The dialogue session, organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development, aimed to strengthen advocacy and community engagement in addressing conflicts affecting women and children. Poverty, lack of education, and poor parental care were identified as key factors fueling social vices. As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is heartening to see the Zamfara State government taking concrete steps to empower women and promote peace and stability in the state. With the support of stakeholders and the community, we can work together to create a more just and equitable society for all.