In a bold move to address critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Nigeria, Global Citizens Africa, in collaboration with HACEY Health Initiative and Worthy, organized the “Stride for Her Rights” advocacy walk. The event, held in Lagos, brought together a sea of young individuals and stakeholders to raise awareness, inspire policy action, and advocate for increased funding for SRHR services.
A Call to Action for SRHR
The walk, which began at AP Filling Station in Lekki and culminated at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, aimed to highlight the importance of SRHR-friendly policies, comprehensive sex education, and improved access to reproductive healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SRHR encompasses a wide range of services, including access to contraception, maternal and perinatal health, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and protection from gender-based violence.
Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue, Director of Global Citizens Africa, emphasized the need for increased funding and policy support to address preventable deaths and equip community health workers.
“The objective of the walk is to drive awareness around sexual and reproductive healthcare and maternal care for women, and the need for increased financing in these areas,” Chuks-Adizue stated. “We still have a lot of preventable deaths. Community health workers are not fully equipped and could do more with government support.”
Empowering Young People with Knowledge
Ms. Rhoda Robinson, Executive Director of HACEY Health Initiative, stressed the importance of equipping young people with accurate and timely information to make informed choices. She highlighted the need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) tailored to the cultural and age-specific needs of Nigerian youth.
“Nigeria has one of the highest youth populations with new HIV infections. We need to provide them with comprehensive sexuality education in a way that is age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and medically accurate,” Robinson said. “This is the only way to reduce teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”
Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges
Dr. Kemi da Silva Ibru, Founder of Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), pointed out the dire state of SRHR services in rural communities, where 54% of Nigerians reside. She called for grassroots investment in training traditional birth attendants and equipping them with modern medical knowledge to reduce maternal mortality rates.
“Rural communities face the greatest challenges. Many women still rely on traditional birth attendants due to the absence of functional primary healthcare centres,” Ibru said. “Empowering community health workers and traditional birth attendants can save lives.”
The Role of Contraceptives and Safe Abortions
A 2020 WHO report revealed that countries with liberal abortion laws and better access to contraception tend to have lower abortion rates. However, Nigeria remains divided on the issue due to strong religious and cultural opposition. Robinson emphasized the importance of educating young people about contraceptives and the risks of unsafe abortions.
“If we equip young people with the right information, we wouldn’t be having these conversations about unsafe abortion. More pregnancies would be planned and wanted,” she said.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
While advocacy is crucial, translating words into action requires government commitment to policy implementation and funding. Robinson called for a multi-pronged approach involving private sector partners, NGOs, and the government to address SRHR challenges.
“We need policies backed by adequate funding to ensure implementation and improved health outcomes,” she said. “The government has an active role in creating a conducive environment for partners to collaborate and for young people to access services.”
Lagos State’s Efforts in Maternal Health
Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Health, highlighted ongoing efforts to improve SRHR in the state. She noted that postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and that the state is training midwives, community health workers, and doctors to manage such emergencies.
“We have increased funding for maternal health and expanded access to free healthcare through the Ilera Eko health insurance program for pregnant women in Lagos State,” Ogunyemi said.
Societal and Media Influence
Cultural resistance and stigmatization remain significant barriers to SRHR awareness. Actress and social media influencer Folu Storms (Ada Afoluwake Ogunkeye) emphasized the role of individuals and media in shaping narratives and driving social change.
“Everyone is an influencer in their own right. In small ways, we can support each other,” she said. “If we don’t look after our healthcare systems, one day, you, me, or somebody you love will be in a critical position. We must be part of the solution.”
Prospects for the Future
Despite the challenges, the “Stride for Her Rights” walk represents a significant step towards raising awareness and fostering collaboration to improve SRHR in Nigeria. With growing involvement from private organizations and stakeholders, there is hope for a healthier, more empowered generation.