The Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria (FEMinWASH) in collaboration with Self Help Africa has launched its Kano State Chapter under the WASH Programme, following a two-day stakeholder validation and gender training workshop held in the state.
The workshop, which attracted key government officials, development partners, and WASH professionals, had four major objectives:
. Presentation of assessment findings and identified challenges.
. Training of stakeholders on gender-transformative WASH programming.
. Official launch of the Kano State Chapter of FEMinWASH.
. Development of actionable gender plans to address challenges and opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Boluwaji Onabolu, President and Convener of FEMinWASH, emphasized the importance of empowering women professionals in the WASH Programme. She commended Self Help Africa for their continued support and commitment to strengthening gender-responsive initiatives across Nigeria.
Also addressing participants, Mr. John Wali, Program Manager, Self Help Africa, formally launched the Kano State Chapter of FEMinWASH and urged the state government and stakeholders to support the initiative. He stressed that women’s inclusion in the WASH Programme is vital for sustainable water and sanitation development.
The Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Abdurrazaq Haruna, praised FEMinWASH and Self Help Africa for their collaboration and assured the ministry’s full support. He pledged the government’s readiness to work hand in hand with the chapter in delivering improved water, sanitation and hygiene services across the state.
In her remarks, Hajiya Umma, the newly appointed State Coordinator of FEMinWASH, expressed delight over the chapter’s launch and acknowledged the active participation of female professionals, particularly those from Makoda Local Government Area. She described the initiative as a great opportunity for women to contribute meaningfully to the WASH Programme in Kano State.
At the close of the two-day workshop, participants validated the WASH assessment ranking, received gender training, and co-created a draft gender action plan.
The launch of the Kano State Chapter of FEMinWASH under the WASH Programme marks a significant milestone in amplifying the voices of female professionals and promoting gender equity in the water and sanitation sector across Nigeria.
