CSOs, media pledge to advance gender equality in Bauchi WASH services
By Ahmed Ahmed
A Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media stakeholders in Bauchi State have reaffirmed commitment to advancing gender equality and social inclusion in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.
They made the pledge at a review meeting on advancing “Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in WASH”, held under the DP-World-funded project on Thursday in Bauchi.
The stakeholders reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that women and marginalised groups are at the center of WASH service delivery through call for policy, advocacy, programmatic, and community level action.
Mr Jinjiri Garba, a CSO representative, said that partnerships with gender-focused organisations were being prioritised to strengthen women’s capacity in managing water schemes and village-level operations.
“We will ensure that the social and biological roles of women are reflected in service delivery, such as through our user-friendly toilet model,” he said.
Mr David Ayodele, Chairman of the Media WASH Network, emphasised the importance of gender-based analysis, budgeting, and monitoring to improve women and girls’ representation in decision-making roles regarding WASH needs.
Earlier, Mr Magaji Gonsis, Programme Officer at Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS) explained that the project implemented by WaterAid Nigeria with DP -World funding, focused on increasing equitable access to climate-resilient WASH services.
“It seeks to address unique challenges faced by women, especially regarding menstrual health management, education, and economic empowerment,” he added.
He said that the project included constructing solar-powered water facilities and gender-sensitive sanitation infrastructure in Misau local government area.
“A gender assessment conducted by a consultant also explored how climate change impacts women’s access to WASH services and gathered their insights for sustainable solutions,” Gonsis said.
