FCT Health chief links women’s leadership to stronger healthcare systems

By Stanley Onyekwere

Gender inclusion in decision-making is no longer just a social fairness goal, it is a critical driver of resilient public healthcare systems and sustainable economic stability across Africa.
That was the central message delivered on behalf of Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, during the landmark International Gender Conference held, at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
Speaking through Dr. Aderonke Akande, Director of Community Health Services at the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Fasawe emphasized that Africa’s developmental success hinges on integrating women into governance and policy design at every level.
The conference, convened by the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, marked the inaugural Pan-African Women’s Day Celebration under the theme “Gender, Globalization, and Good Governance.”
Addressing an assembly of policymakers, development partners, and civil society leaders, key speakers including Mrs. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Mrs. Esther I. Wghobamien-Mshelia, and Arc. Dr. Sonny Echono argued that traditional governance frameworks must evolve to leverage cross-sector partnerships and targeted female leadership.
Deliberations focused heavily on moving beyond symbolic representation toward measurable outcomes in healthcare, economic access, and political participation:
“Empowering women and girls is not merely an equity ideal, it is an economic and public health imperative.
Direct investment in women yields stronger health systems, accelerated economic growth, and durable national stability.”
By positioning gender integration as an operational necessity rather than a passive social ideal, the summit established a framework for how the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and regional leaders can leverage women-led initiatives to bolster community health infrastructure and governance performance moving forward.