For many women in Zamfara State, cooking is more than a daily household responsibility.
It is a skill passed from one generation to another and now, for some, it is becoming a pathway to economic independence.
The Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, IOM, is using a cooking competition to promote women’s empowerment, skills development and livelihood opportunities.
Amid the aroma of different local delicacies, the women are not only competing for prizes.
They are showcasing skills they hope can open doors to better livelihoods and greater economic independence.
The initiative is part of a European Union-funded programme focused on conflict prevention, crisis response and resilience, with emphasis on creating livelihood opportunities, skills development and self-reliance.
The participants, drawn from communities affected by banditry, including Anka and Tsafe, are putting their skills to the test.
For some of them, the competition offers more than recognition. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do and explore ways of turning their skills into sustainable sources of income.
The Ministry of Women Affairs says the Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, has continued to support initiatives aimed at giving women a greater sense of belonging and encouraging them to pursue their business aspirations.
While cooking remains deeply rooted in Zamfara’s culture and everyday life, organisers believe the skill can go beyond the home.
With the right support and training, it can become a viable business opportunity, helping women generate income and improve their livelihoods.
For the contestants, every dish tells a story of culture, resilience and the hope for a better future.
And as the competition draws to a close, attention turns to the search for the most talented cook.
The overall winner goes home with prizes, but for many of the women, the bigger reward may be the opportunity to turn a familiar skill into a pathway to self-reliance.
From the kitchen to the marketplace, the message from these women is clear: with the right opportunity and support, a skill can become a livelihood and a livelihood can become a new beginning.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
