By Rauf Oyewole
The Bauchi State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have issued a joint call for urgent action to address the escalating rates of gender-based violence and the critical barriers preventing women and girls from accessing essential healthcare services in the state.
Speaking at the commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, expressed deep concern over the prevalence of home-based child deliveries and the high rate of teenage pregnancies.
Dr. Mohammed noted that early marriage remains a significant factor in health complications during childbirth, further aggravated by the fact that many young girls remain out of school.
Dr. Mohammed highlighted the vulnerability of women in regions impacted by communal conflicts, noting that they often face the dual burden of economic hardship and mental health trauma following the loss of family members.
He stressed that security breaches in certain communities have exacerbated these challenges, necessitating a stronger, more proactive government response to protect women and their families.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasized that the rights of women and girls should be a daily commitment rather than a yearly observance.
She pointed to maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and limited agency in reproductive health decisions as fundamental rights violations currently plaguing the state.
According to Dr. Rafique, many women in Bauchi still lack the power to make vital decisions regarding their own healthcare, including access to family planning and the choice of birthing facilities.
She further condemned the prevalence of gender-based violence and sexual abuse, which she noted affects both girls and boys within the community.
To combat these issues, UNICEF is partnering with the Bauchi State Government to strengthen Sexual Assault Referral Centres. These facilities are designed to provide essential support to survivors and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Dr. Rafique underscored that access to justice is a fundamental right, asserting that any form of violence against women is unacceptable and that survivors must have direct access to legal protection and support services.
Both organizations concluded by urging community leaders, government stakeholders, and the public to translate the advocacy of International Women’s Day into practical, sustained efforts that empower women to exercise their rights and improve their overall well-being.