By Murtala Muhammad
Bauchi State government has launched Mama-to-Mama Support Group and Gender Champions, saddled with the responsibly of enlightening women on maternal and child health as well as gender inclusiveness and mainstreaming.
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.
Also Speaking the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sabi’u Gwalabe and the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed called on the Mama-to-Mama Support Group and the Gender Champions to redouble effort towards achieving the set objective.
The event had in attendance, UNICEF delegation, Traditional Leaders and other stakeholders.
