Mariam Abeeb
WaterAid Nigeria in partnership with WaterAid Canada has launched a 5 years EmpowerHer project for adolescent girls and women in local governments in Bauchi State.
The project which was funded by Global Affairs Canada is to enhance Women and Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Nigeria .
The WaterAid Country Director, Evelyn Mere in her welcome remark at the event held in Abuja, explained that the overall goal of the project is to change the lives of women and girls in Bauchi State by strengthening their access to water, sanitation, hygiene and sexual reproductive health services.
According to her , in Nigeria, far too many women and girls face barriers that deny them dignity, health, and opportunity.
She added that in Bauchi State alone, over 70% of schools lack basic WASH facilities and more than 90% of health facilities do not have clean water or decent toilets.
“Through this project, we will work with communities, schools, and healthcare facilities to deliver gender-responsive and climate-resilient WASH services . We will support adolescent girls to build knowledge and confidence, train health workers to provide inclusive care, and strengthen government systems for long- term sustainability.
“The EmpowerHer project will be propelled by the power of partnerships and collaboration. The combination of the generosity, vision and supportive gesture of our funding partner, the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, the catalytic role of colleagues in WaterAid Canada, and the development mindset of the government of Bauchi State are the driving force toward the achievement of project objectives.
“These are underlined by our collective commitment to gender equality and human rights in the empowerment of women and girls. We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership,” she stated.
The Head of Programmes at WaterAid Nigeria, Nanpet Chuktu said the project would directly benefit 108,161 people and indirectly reach about 600,000 women, adolescent girls and other stakeholders in 1,036 communities.
According to him, the direct beneficiaries include 20,717 adolescent girls, 15,537 adolescent boys in 69 schools, and 71,907 women of reproductive age through 58 health facilities.
He added that the project will also engage 344 teachers, 115 healthcare workers, 173 community health extension workers, 290 ward development committee members, 740 women from Mama2Mama groups, and more than 1,000 community leaders and influencers.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare in Bauchi State, Dr Suleiman Abubakar, explained that initiatives was part of efforts to boost the health and well-being of women and girls in the state
While commending WaterAid for the project , he assured the state commitments in ensuring the success and sustainability of this initiative.
