In an efforts to enhance Women healthcare and inclusiveness, Bauchi state Government has inaugurated gender equality champions as well as Women Mama to Mama support Group.
The 6,460 women were inaugurated during a ceremony held in Bauchi with call on them to champion the development of women rights in Bauchi state for enhanced quality healthcare sevice delivery.
Speaking during the event, The state Commissioner of health Dr. Sabiu Abdu Gwalabe stated that the inclusion of women support groups into Healthcare sector was part of the agreement reached between Bauchi state Government and its developmental partners working in the state.
Also speaking, The executive chairman State Primary Healthcare development agency Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad said The Mama to Mama support group are saddled with the responsibility of enlightening women on the importance of Ante-natal care, childbirth spacing, Immunization and Economic prospect.
The State Gender, Focal Person, Hajiya Alawiyya Usman said the Mama to Mama Support Group is also responsible for identifying pregnant women in their local communities and refer them to healthcare facilities for Ante Natal Care services and hospital-based delivery.
The Mama to Mama Support Group comprises six hundred and forty six members dedicated to enlightening and mobilizing women of reproductive age to prioritize their health and that of the children.
Hajiya Alawiyya said prior to the conceptualisation of Mama to Mama, the situation analysis revealed prevailing gender discrimination, negative gender norms, role and practice among others.
She explained that the gender champions whose roles were to add voice to gender issues are influencing women in their respective communities to change social ills in the society.
In a remark, the State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed who said Global Affairs Canada has been supporting the state through UNICEF in different sectors of development, applauded members of the two groups inaugurated for their dedication towards improving healthcare and addressing Gender Based Violence, GBV.
The event had in attendance, UNICEF delegation, Traditional Leaders and other stakeholders.
