Women Journalists in Bauchi Advocate for Healthcare and Education Rights

Women journalists in Nigeria’s Bauchi State have called for stronger protections and improved access to healthcare, education, and justice for women and girls, highlighting the challenges many face in rural communities. The advocacy campaign was organized by the Bauchi chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The awareness event took place in Durum Village in Bauchi Local Government Area and focused on educating women about their rights and available social services. Organizers said the program aimed to empower rural women by providing information on access to healthcare, protection from violence, and the importance of education for children and young people.

Speaking at the gathering, NAWOJ’s Bauchi chairperson Rashida Yusuf described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to promote awareness and encourage women to understand and assert their rights. She explained that the choice to host the program in a rural community was intended to ensure that women outside urban areas are included in discussions about health, education, and social development.

Yusuf urged mothers to make greater use of local healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of antenatal care, routine immunisation for children under five, and other preventive health measures. She noted that increased use of healthcare facilities could help reduce child mortality and improve maternal health outcomes in the region.

Officials from government institutions and legal organizations also participated in the program. A representative of the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development encouraged women to give birth in healthcare facilities to ensure safer deliveries. She also highlighted the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, which provides legal protection against gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.

Legal advocates from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) reiterated their commitment to defending the rights of women and children, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence. They urged victims to report abuse rather than conceal incidents due to social stigma or family pressure.

Health professionals attending the event also stressed the importance of proper sanitation, skilled birth attendance, and community health awareness to prevent disease and improve living conditions in rural areas.

Advocates said initiatives like the Bauchi program demonstrate how journalists can play an active role in promoting social awareness and community engagement. By using their platforms to highlight issues affecting women and children, they hope to encourage broader public dialogue and policy action aimed at improving access to essential services and safeguarding women’s rights.

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Female journalists in Bauchi push for healthcare, education rights

Bauchi Women journalists push for women’s rights to healthcare, education