08/03/2025
SPEECH FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
Theme: Accelerate Action
Speech delivered by Saba’atu Elizabeth Danladi fseh, PhD
Founder and Technical Advisor, African HUB for Community Progress Initiative in Nigeria (AfriHUB)
Distinguished guests, esteemed partners, civil society organizations, community leaders, Government Representatives, and all passionate advocates for Gender Equality,
Good morning and Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we gather in unity, strength, and purpose to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and girls while reaffirming our commitment to advancing their rights and opportunities. The theme for this year, “Accelerate Action,” serves as a clarion call for all stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps towards gender equity and social transformation.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting the advancement of women in Nigeria, particularly in Bauchi State. Your funding and dedication have provided us with the resources to empower adolescent girls, young women, and vulnerable populations, ensuring that they have access to essential health services and education.
A special appreciation goes to PLAN International’s ASPIRE Project for its exemplary leadership and technical direction in realizing sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescent girls and young women. Through your efforts, we have witnessed significant progress in addressing critical barriers that hinder girls from accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and services.
Today, Afrihub , in collaboration with our dedicated Civil Society Organizations (YLN,WCY, Leadtots), BERI, NEHI, MEDIA, Legal Practitioners, with funding support from Global Affairs Canada through the Plan International ASPIRE Project, is making a strong call to action. We urge the Government of Bauchi State to prioritize and accelerate actions towards improving access to basic sexual reproductive health and education for adolescent girls and young women through the following:
Establishment of PAD BANKS INCUBATION CENTERS – to ensure that no girl in Bauchi State has to miss school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. Access to sanitary products is a fundamental right, and this initiative will promote dignity, confidence, and school retention for girls.
Creation of School Health Clubs in All Schools – where none exist, to ensure that young people have a safe space to learn about their health, well-being, and rights.
Strengthening of Existing Health Clubs – ensuring their optimal operation through the full implementation of the School Health Club Manual across all schools in Bauchi State. This will enable structured learning on hygiene, menstrual health management, and adolescent reproductive health.
Increased Budgetary Allocation to the and – to further strengthen sexual and reproductive health education for adolescent girls and young women. Without adequate funding, the progress we seek remains unattainable.
CALL TO ACTION!
We call on the Government of Bauchi State to take deliberate steps in implementing these initiatives and ensuring that policies supporting adolescent girls’ reproductive health and education are adequately funded and effectively implemented.
We call on Civil Society Organizations to continue advocating for sustainable policies that protect the health and rights of women and girls, ensuring that no one is left behind.
We call on Community Leaders, Parents, and Educators to champion the cause of girls’ education and health, breaking cultural and social barriers that hinder their progress.
As we celebrate , let us remember that real change requires action, commitment, and collaboration. Let today serve as a turning point in our advocacy, a moment where we move beyond words to implement lasting solutions that will shape the future of Bauchi State’s adolescent girls and young women.
Let us accelerate action and create a society where every girl and young woman can thrive, reach her full potential, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities and nation.
Together, we can make this a reality!
Thank you.