Bauchi Govt, UNICEF Mark 2026 International Women’s Day

….Underscore Need to Expand Women’s Access to Education, Healthcare

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi Govt, UNICEF Mark 2026 IWD, Underscore Need to Expand Women’s Access to Education, Healthcare

The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call for improved access to quality education and healthcare for women and girls, stressing that investing in women is essential for sustainable development.

The event, held at the Hazibal Suits on Saturday in Bauchi, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and community leaders to reflect on the theme “Give to Gain,” which underscores the importance of investing in women as a pathway to achieving inclusive growth and social progress.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, emphasized that empowering women through education, healthcare and social protection remains a key priority of the state government.

Muhammad opined that women play a central role in the development of families, communities and the nation, making it necessary for governments and stakeholders to create policies that guarantee their wellbeing and rights.

Bauchi Govt, UNICEF Mark 2026 IWD, Underscore Need to Expand Women’s Access to Education, Healthcare

“The United Nations has set aside this day every year to recognize the place of women in society and to ensure they enjoy their fundamental rights to life, education, employment and justice,” he said.

Muhammad explained that the Bauchi State Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting women and improving maternal and child health across the state.

These include the approval of six months maternity leave for pregnant mothers, flexible working hours for breastfeeding mothers and expanded access to primary healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.

He however noted that the maternity leave policy is still awaiting ratification by the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

Despite the progress recorded, Muhammad acknowledged that many women and girls in the state still face barriers to accessing education and healthcare services.

“These challenges range from cultural practices, insecurity and poverty to teenage pregnancy and early marriage, all of which limit opportunities for girls to reach their full potential,” he said.

He therefore called on traditional leaders, civil society groups, development partners and the media to work collectively toward addressing these issues and creating a more inclusive environment where women and girls can thrive.

Also speaking, the Chief of the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund, Dr. Rafique Nuzhat, emphasized that the promotion of women’s rights and access to justice must go beyond annual celebrations.

She stressed that the ideals of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, require consistent commitment from governments and communities.

According to her, Bauchi State continues to face significant development challenges affecting women and girls, including high maternal and child mortality rates, malnutrition, gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies.

“These issues are not just health or social concerns; they are violations of women’s rights. Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and make decisions about her life and future,” she said.

Nuzhat disclosed that UNICEF is partnering with the Bauchi State Government to strengthen systems that protect women and girls, including the establishment of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to support survivors of gender-based violence and improve access to justice.

She explained that the “Give to Gain” theme reflects the global understanding that when societies invest in girls and women through education, healthcare and protection, the benefits extend to families, communities and national development.

“When we give women the opportunities they deserve, we gain stronger families, healthier children and more resilient communities,” she added.

Participants at the event also called for stronger advocacy against early marriage, increased investment in girl-child education and expanded access to maternal healthcare services as key steps toward achieving gender equality in Bauchi State.

The celebration concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to accelerate progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, ensuring that women and girls in Bauchi State have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from development.