WaterAid, Canada Launch Five-Year ‘EmpowerHer’ Project to Boost Women’s Health and Hygiene in Bauchi

WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with WaterAid Canada, on Monday launched a five-year initiative aimed at improving access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) as well as sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in Bauchi State.

The project, tagged ‘EmpowerHer’, is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and will be implemented in Katagum, Misau and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the launch, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Ms Evelyn Mere, said the initiative seeks to transform the lives of women and girls who face barriers that deny them dignity, health and opportunities.

“In Bauchi, more than 70 per cent of schools lack basic WASH facilities, while over 90 per cent of health centres do not have clean water or decent toilets,” she said.
“These realities deepen gender inequality and limit opportunities for women and girls to reach their full potential, participate fully in society and contribute to development.”

Mere explained that the project would deliver gender-responsive and climate-resilient WASH services in schools, healthcare facilities and communities. It would also train health workers, empower adolescent girls with knowledge and confidence, and strengthen government systems for long-term sustainability.

The initiative is expected to directly reach over 100,000 people and indirectly benefit about 600,000 across the three LGAs.

She commended the Government of Canada for its support and lauded the Bauchi State Government, civil society groups, women’s organisations and the media for their collaboration. She also recognised Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM) and the Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS) as implementing partners.

“Our vision is a future where women and girls can manage their health and hygiene with dignity, free from stigma, and where access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene is taken for granted,” she added.

Representing the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, said WASH remained vital to human survival and women’s empowerment. She commended WaterAid and its partners for bringing the project to Bauchi, noting that the three LGAs would serve as models for other parts of Nigeria.

She added that the project would empower women and children with knowledge and access to services, leading to healthier families, stronger communities and improved productivity.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Suleiman Abubakar, described the intervention as a collective effort to promote the well-being of women and girls.

“I commend the organisers and partners for their tireless efforts in driving this project forward. I assure you of the Bauchi State Government’s continued support in ensuring the success and sustainability of this initiative. Together, let us continue to work towards bold change; where women and girls can make informed decisions about their health, exercise their choices, and live with dignity,” he said.

Head of Programmes at WaterAid Nigeria, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, said the project would directly benefit 108,161 people and indirectly reach about 600,000 in 1,036 communities.

According to him, the direct beneficiaries include 20,717 adolescent girls, 15,537 adolescent boys in 69 schools, and 71,907 women of reproductive age through 58 health facilities. Others include 344 teachers, 115 healthcare workers, 173 community health extension workers, 290 ward development committee members, 740 women from Mama2Mama groups and more than 1,000 community leaders and influencers.

Chuktu explained that the project builds on WaterAid Nigeria’s technical expertise in WASH and its strong partnership with the Bauchi State Government. He said it would combine service delivery with capacity building, policy advocacy and behavioural change, adopting the WASHFIT methodology to improve schools and health facilities.

On sustainability, he noted that EmpowerHer would progressively transfer ownership to local communities and government by strengthening capacities and systems before phase-out.

“The clear exit strategy is designed to ensure that local authorities and communities can continue to provide and manage services after the project ends,” Chuktu said.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Global Affairs Canada and WaterAid Canada.