Dr Linda Nwodo has emerged as the first woman in Nigeria trained by Sightsavers, an international NGO, to perform hydrocele surgery.
This milestone represents significant progress in specialized healthcare and reinforces calls for greater gender equality in the health sector.
Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, highlighted the achievement in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day.
Hydrocele is a condition in which fluid accumulates around a testicle, causing scrotal swelling. In many tropical countries, it is often linked to lymphatic filariasis.
Shu’aibu stressed the importance of supporting women in specialized medical fields, where they continue to face significant barriers.
She noted the challenges women and girls in Nigeria and globally face in accessing healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
She cited the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, which estimates that it will take 123 years to achieve full global gender parity.
According to her, greater investment in women and girls is essential to close the gender gap.
Nwodo’s achievement, she said, demonstrates why investing in women is non-negotiable.
“When women are given the tools, training, and opportunities to lead in specialized health fields, they drive transformative change—not just for patients, but for entire communities. Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its talent behind,” she said.
Shu’aibu called for increased investment in programmes that support women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, to enable access to healthcare, training, and professional opportunities.
She emphasized that removing structural barriers and promoting gender equality would accelerate progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
The country director reaffirmed Sightsavers’ commitment to supporting governments and partners in ensuring that women—including those with disabilities—can access healthcare services, training, and opportunities while strengthening health systems and communities.
She stressed the need for sustained commitment and collaboration to achieve gender equity within the lifetime of future generations.
Meanwhile, reflecting on her journey, Nwodo emphasized the importance of empowering women in health professions, noting that the benefits extend far beyond the individual to the entire nation.
“Empowering women in health professions is not just for their personal growth; it strengthens entire communities. When women are supported to develop their abilities, everyone benefits,” she said.
Nwodo became the first female surgeon to receive training in hydrocele operations through Nigeria’s neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) programme.
She underwent training in the latest surgical techniques during a recent session facilitated by Sightsavers and the Nigerian Ministry of Health, through the “Reaching the Last Mile Fund.”
