Date: Thursday, 21st March 2024.
Venue: Hotel De Bentley, Plot 392, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala Street, Utako District, Abuja.
The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration in Nigeria, organized by the National Women’s Committee of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, had the theme “INSPIRED INCLUSION.” The activities aimed to acknowledge the significance of addressing gender disparities in access to social protection and healthcare services.
Objectives:
The program aimed to empower women from diverse backgrounds by fostering dialogue, advocacy, and action towards sustainable development. Participants were drawn from the 36 states and FCT, as well as two (2) NANNM female members.
Keynote Topic: “Promoting Social Protection System and Access to Quality Healthcare Services for Women in Nigeria: A Panacea for Sustainable Development”
The opening ceremony was a significant event attended by dignitaries, activists, and representatives from NGOs, as well as women leaders and members of the public. Female nurses from the 36 states and FCT were also present. Comrade Ayuba Waba mni, the immediate past president of NLC, chaired the event.
The ceremony commenced with addresses and goodwill messages from notable dignitaries, including the National President and General Secretary of NANNM, the President of NLC, and other government officials. Representatives from FIDA, Fredrick Ebert Stiftung (FES), and FMOH were also in attendance. They emphasized the importance of gender equality, shared success stories, and outlined strategies for further progress.
Dr Nurse Juliana Bitrus, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Head of Service of Borno
State, delivered the keynote address.
Hospital Visitation: As part of the IWD 2024 activities, hospital visits were organized at Maitama District Hospital and Gwarinpa General Hospital in Abuja. These visits provided an opportunity to engage with healthcare providers, understand the challenges faced by women in accessing quality healthcare services, and identify areas for improvement. The visits also allowed for interactions with women/mothers receiving healthcare services, enabling firsthand insights into their experiences and needs. A token gift was shared to alleviate their sufferings.
Seminar/Panel Discussions: Engaging panel discussions were held on the following topics:
- Gender Discrimination at Workplace:To address gender discrimination in the workplace, a seminar and panel discussion were conducted. Participants explored strategies to promote gender equality, eliminate bias, and create inclusive work environments that empower women to thrive professionally.
- Social Protection System for Women in Nigeria:This session examined the social protection system for women in Nigeria. The discussion delved into existing policies, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing social protection mechanisms to ensure women’s economic security and well-being across the country.
- Experience of Nurses on the Social Protection System in Nigeria:In the panel discussion, nurses shared their first-hand experiences and perspectives on the social protection system in Nigeria. The representative of the Director of Nursing Services, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), highlighted challenges faced by women, including healthcare workers, in accessing healthcare services, navigating the healthcare system, and suggested recommendations to strengthen the provision of healthcare services to women
- Achieving SDGs 5:The discussion emphasized how improving social protection systems and healthcare access contributes to achieving SDGs 5, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities organized by the National Women’s Committee of NANNM emphasized the importance of promoting a social protection system and improving access to quality healthcare services as catalysts for sustainable development and achieving SDGs 5.
Stakeholders collaboratively engaged in hospital visits, seminars, and panel discussions, working to identify barriers, share insights, and advocate for policies and interventions that empower women and promote gender equality in Nigeria’s healthcare system. As we advance, sustaining these efforts and taking collective action is essential to ensure that discussions translate into tangible outcomes that positively impact women’s lives nationwide.
Call to action: The ceremony ended with a call to action, urging individuals, organisations, and governments to commit to concrete steps towards achieving gender equality, promoting social protection systems, and improving access to quality healthcare services. Participants were encouraged to amplify women’s voices, challenge discriminatory practices, and work collaboratively to create a more inclusive society.
IN CONCLUSION, International Women’s Day 2024, hosted by the NANNM National Women’s Committee, was a successful and inspiring event that garnered support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women’s health and opportunities in Nigeria and worldwide through thought-provoking discussions, vibrant performances, and meaningful interactions.
As we reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead, NANNM has promised to continue striving for a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and freedom.
Thank you.
Comrade Ofere Oluwatoyin
DGS/Ag. HOD Organizational & Professional Services
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