By Samuel Luka
The Bauchi state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has celebrated the 2026 International Women's Day, highlighting the significance of women's access to quality education and healthcare services in nation building.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, Executive Chairman of Bauchi state Primary Healthcare Development Board, emphasized the importance of recognizing women's rights and empowerment.
"The United Nations has set aside today and tomorrow every year to recognize the place of women and ensure they have the right to life, employment, and justice," he said.
Dr. Muhammad mentioned various initiatives undertaken by the Bauchi state government to promote women's empowerment, including the approval of six months' maternity leave for pregnant mothers, provision of flexible hours for breastfeeding, among others.
He, however, noted that the maternity leave policy is yet to be ratified by the state assembly.
The event also highlighted the challenges faced by women in accessing education and healthcare services, including cultural and security issues, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages.
Dr. Muhammad emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and ensure that women have access to quality education and healthcare services.
Dr. Muhammad expressed optimism that the collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders would help address the challenges faced by women in the state and promote their empowerment.
Also Speaking, the Chief, Bauchi Field office of the UNICEF, Dr. Rafique Nuzhat, emphasized that women's rights and access to justice should be a daily commitment, not just a yearly celebration.
She highlighted key issues in Bauchi, including high maternal mortality, child mortality, malnutrition, and teenage pregnancies, which she noted, are all violations of women's rights.
UNICEF is working with the state government to establish support mechanisms, like a sexual abuse reference center, to address gender-based violence and ensure access to justice.
According to Dr. Nuzhat, the goal is to empower women to make decisions about their health, lives, and futures.
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