By Awwal Umar Kontagora The International Budget Partnership (IBP), in collaboration with the Federation of Muslim Women’s Assoc...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The International Budget Partnership (IBP), in collaboration with the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), has organized a two-day workshop for members of the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in Niger State. The event took place at Dogon-Koli Hall, Minna.
In her opening remarks, the Niger State Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi, expressed concern over the continued neglect of women in community leadership, despite their legal entitlement to at least 40% representation in public roles. She noted that this marginalization has contributed to frustration and a lack of confidence among women seeking leadership opportunities.
Highlighting FOMWAN’s collaborative efforts with relevant health agencies, the Amirah stated that they have partnered with the Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiSCHMA), NICARE, and the State Ministry for Primary Healthcare to provide resource persons and experts to facilitate training for the WDC members.
"Ultimately, what we hope is that WDC members will gain the necessary experience to effectively support healthcare delivery in their respective communities,” she said.
The theme of the workshop was: "Capacity Building Workshop for Women in WDCs to Strengthen Leadership, Healthcare Governance, and Financial Management Skills." The objective was to empower women with the knowledge and tools required to participate actively in public administration, particularly in healthcare governance, where they are seen as crucial stakeholders given their roles within the family and community.
One of the speakers, Malama Adawiyya Jibrin Matane, delivered a paper titled “The Role of Women in Healthcare Governance.” She noted that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), established under the National Health Act of 2014, recognizes WDCs as the fourth tier of the health system and assigns them significant responsibilities in ensuring the effective implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) services at the grassroots level.
She emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in healthcare governance, particularly in planning, resource mobilization, and sustaining interventions funded through the BHCPF.
"The role of women in this space is critical," Adawiyya said. "During childbirth, for example, a woman may face life-threatening risks that could lead to the loss of either the child, the mother, or both. It is essential that women have the platform to voice these concerns and be part of the solution, especially in addressing challenges within primary healthcare centers.”
Reports have shown that Niger State ranks high among North Central states in terms of maternal health challenges, particularly during childbirth. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, Gbako, Paikoro, Borgu, and Munya Local Government Areas are among the worst-affected in the state, largely due to poor maternal care and inadequate compliance with medical advice.
Other papers presented at the workshop included “Leadership Skills for Effective WDC Participation” by Alhaji Umar M.K. Garba, and “Understanding PHC Management and the BHCPF” by Madam Martha Yerima.
Speakers underscored the need for communities to focus on maternal and child health support, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. The formation and empowerment of WDCs, they noted, will help bridge the gap between health facilities and the communities they serve, fostering trust and improving health outcomes.
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