Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
The Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE), in collaboration with Plan International under the ASPIRE Project funded by Global Affairs Canada, has issued a strong call for stakeholders to advocate for improved Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for girls and young women in Nigeria.
The group made the call during a series of advocacy meetings, roundtable discussions, and conferences held at Malik Palace Hotel, Sokoto, which brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, civil society, healthcare, and education.
During the roundtable discussion, Ms. Faridah Hamzat, Co-Founder of ANWE, highlighted that the organization was established to empower women in the northern part of Nigeria.
She emphasized that women’s health is crucial to their ability to engage in economic activities, which, in turn, is vital for the development of society in Sokoto State.
In her speech, ANWE President Barrister Hafsat Sahabi Dange reiterated that the organization serves as a platform to advocate for the overall well-being of women in various capacities.
‘Key discussions during the meeting focused on the barriers that girls and young women face in accessing SRHR services and information, including limited access to accurate SRHR information, restrictive policies and laws, and cultural and social norms that perpetuate stigma, discrimination, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and services.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for collective action to tackle these challenges. Participants emphasized the need for girls and young women to have access to quality healthcare, accurate information, and supportive environments.
Key recommendations that emerged from the meeting include strengthening policies and laws to protect SRHR, increasing investment in comprehensive education and healthcare infrastructure, engaging community leaders to challenge harmful cultural norms, establishing health centers in schools and creating pad banks, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders for a unified response to SRHR challenges
The discussions marked the beginning of a sustained effort to improve SRHR for girls and young women in Nigeria, with participants committing to ongoing collaboration and action to turn the recommendations into tangible policies and practices.
