For Hajia Huriyya Dauda Lawal, the First Lady of Zamfara State, her role transcends the conventional duties associated with being a supportive spouse; she takes on the mantle of a passionate advocate for women and girls across the state. Her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change is evident in every initiative she leads, embodying a form of leadership that inspires and invigorates her community.
Since stepping into her role as the First Lady, Hajia Huriyya has demonstrated that true motherhood extends beyond familial obligations; it involves a steadfast dedication to nurturing and empowering others, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society. Her initiatives include the provision of social welfare programs and the organization of various skills development and empowerment workshops. These programs equip women in the state with vital skills, enabling them to engage in productive activities and meet the demands of local labor markets.
Recently, Hajia Huriyya faced significant backlash on social media for orchestrating a mass wedding for elderly widows, pairing them with husbands in a culturally sensitive manner. This initiative not only aimed to provide companionship and support for these women but also included financial start-up grants and essential resources for establishing poultry farming businesses and other income-generating activities. While some criticized the mass wedding due to a lack of understanding of its intent, many commended the First Lady for her thoughtful approach to reducing vulnerability among these widows. By facilitating their transition into new marriages, she has sought to protect them from potential exploitation and unethical practices that contradict religious teachings.
As she represented her husband, who was engaged in diplomatic discussions at the recent G20 summit in South Africa, Hajia Huriyya reaffirmed the state's commitment to elevating the lives of girls and women. Her administration has made substantial investments in education, highlighted by the construction and renovation of schools across Zamfara State. Additionally, her efforts to develop technical and vocational centers have contributed significantly to improving literacy rates, providing crucial opportunities for vocational training and skills acquisition.
Hajia Huriyya has also emphasized that her husband's administration will prioritize the well-being of women and the girl child, ensuring they have access to comprehensive medical facilities. Renovated and equipped primary health centers throughout the state are part of this initiative, aimed at delivering quality healthcare services.
In her role as the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer Initiative, she actively raises awareness about cancer among women. Her efforts include promoting the importance of early detection and regular check-ups, aiming to mitigate the effects of the disease and reduce mortality rates. She has recently launched a 16-days activism against gender based violence. Through her leadership and advocacy, Hajia Huriyya Dauda Lawal continues to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for the women and girls of Zamfara State.