Musa Na Allah Sokoto
On Tuesday Development Communications and the Challenge Initiative (DEVCOMS/TCI) in Sokoto marked International Women’s Day with an inspiring celebration that focused on women’s achievements, contributions, and challenges.
The event was graced by the esteemed retired Chief Nurse, Halima Baba Sirajo, who served as the special guest of honor.
Her remarkable career in healthcare, particularly in improving maternal and child health, made her an ideal figure to represent the day’s theme of gender equality and family planning.
The theme of this year’s event, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” is celebrated across the globe to create awareness of women’s rights to prosper, gender equality, and empowerment in a men-dominated environment.
The celebration kicked off with an opening address by Miss Naomi Komgbenda, the Vision FM station’s anchor of the program, who emphasized the pivotal role women play in every aspect of society.
She stressed that Vision FM remains committed to amplifying women’s voices through its programming and initiatives.
This day was designed not only to celebrate progress but also to inspire, empower, and raise awareness about the pressing issues women face, particularly in the areas of healthcare, family planning, and education.
Halima Baba Sirajo, known for her dedication to improving healthcare for women and children, took the stage to a warm and enthusiastic round of applause.
She shared her journey, recounting the challenges she faced and overcame during her decades-long career in the healthcare sector.
Her story resonated deeply with the audience, especially the younger women in attendance, who found her to be a beacon of strength and resilience.
“I never saw myself as extraordinary,” Sirajo began, “but I knew I had a responsibility. Every life I touched, every woman I cared for, was a step toward making the world a better place.
“We, as women, have the power to shape the future—whether in a hospital ward or in our communities.
“Her words served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination women carry, particularly when it comes to shaping future generations through family planning and healthcare,” Sirajo said.
The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on women’s health, education, and leadership.
Sirajo was joined by other distinguished women from various sectors, who shared their insights and experiences.
The discussion highlighted the need for improved healthcare systems that prioritize women’s needs and the crucial role women play in healthcare leadership, especially in ensuring access to family planning and reproductive health services.
Throughout the day, various segments focused on the theme of gender equality.
Vision FM aired special programs that explored how women’s roles have evolved over time, while also addressing the ongoing struggles many women still face, particularly in accessing quality healthcare and family planning services.
The station’s efforts underscored the importance of advocacy for women’s rights and the need for sustained action to address inequalities in healthcare access and family planning.
Sirajo’s words on the importance of mentorship and education resonated deeply with the audience.
She emphasized that older generations of women must take the time to mentor and guide younger women, ensuring that the fight for women’s rights continues to progress and grow stronger.
Her passionate call for education was met with nods of agreement, particularly from students and young professionals present, who recognized that access to education, especially in health and family planning, is key to empowering future generations.
As the event neared its end, Sirajo encouraged all women present to never let societal pressures define their worth. “We are powerful,” she declared.
“We are leaders, healers, educators, and dreamers. Let’s continue to pave the way for those who will follow us.”
Her words, steeped in wisdom and experience, urged women to continue challenging the status quo and fight for their rights, particularly in the areas of family planning and women’s health.
Celebrating the day with the theme ” For ALL women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment Vision FM’s International Women’s Day celebration was not just a reflection of the progress made, but a call to action for future generations of women to take bold steps in advocating for their rights, especially when it comes to family planning, health, and education.
“The day’s events were a reminder that while significant strides have been made in women’s rights, the fight for gender equality and access to family planning services is far from over.
The call for continued advocacy and support for women’s health, education, and empowerment remains urgent.
“As women around the world continue to break barriers, their voices, actions, and contributions are vital in shaping a future where gender equality is not just a vision, but a reality for all,” Sirajo added.
This International Women’s Day, the focus was not just on celebrating achievements, but also on committing to the work that remains.
The need for accessible family planning, better healthcare systems, and educational opportunities for women will continue to be a central theme in the fight for gender equality.
Through these efforts, we ensure that future generations of women have the tools and support they need to lead, innovate, and inspire, she added.
The celebration of International Women’s Day, led by the inspiring presence of Sirajo, highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping not only the future of healthcare and family planning but also the broader social fabric.
It was a reminder that every woman, no matter where she is, has the power to make a difference—and that together, women can continue to build a more equitable world for all.
