The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for greater protection of women’s rights.
They advocated for women’s rights to quality healthcare, education, and justice during the celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), held on Thursday evening in Durum Village, Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.
The programme aimed to raise awareness among rural women about their rights, particularly access to quality healthcare services and protection from all forms of violence.
Speaking at the event, the chairperson of the state’s NAWOJ, Rashida Yusuf, described IWD as an important platform for creating awareness and empowering women to understand their rights in all aspects of life, especially health-related issues.
She explained that the decision to organize the programme in Durum Village was to ensure that women in rural communities feel included and empowered to become self-reliant.
Yusuf urged women to help reduce child mortality by attending nearby healthcare facilities and participating in all recommended antenatal care (ANC). She also encouraged mothers to ensure that children under five receive routine immunization.
Also speaking, a representative of the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Habiba Adamu, urged women to prioritize delivering their babies in healthcare facilities to ensure safe childbirth.
Adamu noted that the Bauchi State Government had enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to protect women from all forms of violence. She urged women to report cases of violence or abuse to referral centres at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for appropriate action.
On her part, Mrs. Halima Yusuf, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bauchi State chapter, reaffirmed the organizations commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, especially in cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
She expressed concern over the tendency of some parents to conceal cases of rape or abuse and urged victims to speak out.
In the same vein, the Officer-in-Charge of the Durum Primary Healthcare Center, Mr. Abdulraahid Bashir, spoke on the importance of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and good hygiene.
He noted that these areas were of paramount concern and emphasized the need to prevent diseases linked to poor sanitation.
