WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with WaterAid Canada, on Monday launched a five-year project to improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in Bauchi State.
The project, called “EmpowerHer,” is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. It will be carried out in Katagum, Misau, and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.
Ms. Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said the initiative aims to transform the lives of women and girls who face barriers that deny them dignity, good health, and equal opportunities.
She explained that in Bauchi, more than 70 per cent of schools lack basic WASH facilities, while over 90 per cent of health centres have no clean water or decent toilets.
“These realities increase gender inequality and limit women and girls from reaching their full potential, contributing to society, and living healthier lives,” she said.
Mere noted that the project will provide gender-friendly and climate-resilient WASH services in communities, schools, and health centres. It will also train health workers, support adolescent girls with knowledge and confidence, and strengthen government systems to ensure sustainability.
The programme is expected to directly reach over 100,000 people and indirectly impact about 600,000 residents across the three LGAs.
She thanked the Government of Canada for its funding and praised the Bauchi State Government, civil society groups, women’s organizations, and the media for their partnership.
She also recognized Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM) and the Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS) as implementing partners.
“Our vision is a future where women and girls manage their health and hygiene with dignity, without stigma, and where clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene are normal for all,” she said.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented the Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev. She said WASH is essential for human survival and for empowering women.
She commended WaterAid and its partners for bringing the initiative to Bauchi, noting that the three participating LGAs would serve as models for other states.
She added that the project will give women and children knowledge and access to services, which will lead to healthier families, stronger communities, and better productivity.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, described the project as a collective effort to promote the well-being of women and girls.
“I commend the organizers and partners for their hard work. The Bauchi State Government will continue to support this project to ensure its success and sustainability. Together, we can create bold change, where women and girls can make informed health decisions and live with dignity,” he said.
Mr. Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes at WaterAid Nigeria, said the project would directly benefit 108,161 people and indirectly reach about 600,000 women, adolescent girls, and other stakeholders in 1,036 communities.
He explained that direct beneficiaries include 20,717 adolescent girls, 15,537 adolescent boys in 69 schools, and 71,907 women of reproductive age through 58 health centres.
The project will also involve 344 teachers, 115 healthcare workers, 173 community health extension workers, 290 ward development committee members, 740 women from Mama2Mama groups, and over 1,000 community leaders and influencers.
Chuktu said EmpowerHer builds on WaterAid Nigeria’s technical expertise in WASH and strong partnership with the Bauchi State Government.
He explained that the project follows a rights-based approach, combining service delivery with training, policy advocacy, and behavioral change. It will also use the WASHFIT method to improve schools and health facilities while training health workers to deliver gender-responsive services.
On sustainability, Chuktu said the project would gradually transfer ownership to local communities and government by strengthening their capacities and systems.
He added that the programme would rely on WaterAid’s hygiene behavior change framework, governance support, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches to ensure long-term results.
“The clear exit strategy is to ensure that local authorities and communities can continue to manage and provide services after the project ends,” he said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Global Affairs Canada, and WaterAid Canada.
