By Rauf Oyewole
The Bauchi State Government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have expressed worry over the increasing violence against women and girls and barriers impeding the access to health care services in the state.
Speaking at this year's International Women's Day, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, expressed worry over the rate of child delivery at home.
He said that the government has done well in educating the girls but many of them are still out of school. According to him, a significant number of them are married at a young age and experience teenage pregnancy, which often leads to serious health complications during childbirth.
“This is the time to engage young girls, families, partners and institutions in discussions about education, health and the protection of girls’ rights.
“Experience has shown that in communities affected by communal clashes, wars or displacement, women are often the most affected. In many cases, they are left to care for families after their husbands or fathers are killed. This is why this moment of reflection is important, to examine how we can support women who have been abandoned or widowed due to communal conflicts or insurgency,” Mohammed said.
He further stated that many women face serious mental health challenges as they struggle to cope with loss, trauma and economic hardship. Therefore, it is the time to openly discuss issues and advocate for stronger government action, particularly in ensuring security across communities. “Security remains one of the biggest challenges, and unfortunately in recent times it has been breached in some areas.
“As part of ongoing efforts, UNICEF has encouraged stakeholders to use this period not only to celebrate women but also to discuss practical solutions,” he said.
Also, UNICEF's Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique said that the event highlighted issues affecting women and young girls, particularly their rights, protection mechanisms, and the actions needed from communities, governments, and stakeholders to ensure these rights are realized.
“We should not celebrate women only once a year. Every day should be a commitment to ensuring that every woman can access her rights and obtain justice,” she said.
She said that reproductive health, mental health, and social well-being remain major concerns in Bauchi State due to high maternal mortality, child mortality, malnutrition, and increasing teenage pregnancies.
“These issues are violations of women’s fundamental rights. Many women are not empowered to decide where to deliver their babies, access family planning services, or make decisions about child spacing,” she added.
UNICEF stressed that government policies, community support systems, and health services must empower women to exercise their rights and access healthcare services. She further expressed concern about the prevalence of gender-based violence and sexual abuse affecting women, girls, and even boys in communities.
According to the official, UNICEF is working with the Bauchi State Government to strengthen mechanisms such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres to support victims and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. “Any form of gender-based violence is unacceptable in any society. Survivors must have access to law, justice, and legal support, because justice is a fundamental right of every woman,” the official added.
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