The Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) Global, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting women’s leadership, recently launched a White Paper with the Honorable Minister for Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, female Health Commissioners and Special adviser to the President on Health at the 65th National Council on Health Meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno.
This White Paper explores the significant impact of women’s leadership on subnational health systems across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for increased female representation in these critical areas. Titled “The Role of Women’s Leadership in Strengthening Subnational Health Systems in Nigeria,” the White Paper is a collaborative effort between WILAN Global, female health commissioners; Dr Tomi Coker of Ogun State, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam of Kwara State, Hajiyya Umma Ahmed of Kaduna State, Dr Oluwserimi Ajetunmobi of Oyo State, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe of Sokoto State, Dr. Adaeze Oreh of Rivers State, Dr. Aisha Mohammed Anka of Zamfara State, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment, FCT Abuja and the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
Abosede George-Ogan, Founder of WILAN Global, reiterated, “Women leaders bring unique perspectives and solutions to healthcare challenges, driving inclusive policies that create notable improvements in our health system. This White Paper emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize gender-balanced leadership in healthcare for better outcomes.”
The White Paper highlights the critical impact of women’s leadership on strengthening subnational health systems in Nigeria, establishing a link between gender-balanced leadership and effective health outcomes, including increased immunization rates, better reproductive health services, and enhanced maternal and neonatal care.
In addition to its findings, it also features actionable recommendations for ensuring balanced leadership within the healthcare sector. Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health remarked, “This White Paper shows the incredible power of collaboration and the unique insights that women leaders bring to healthcare governance, and we are guaranteed endless positive outcomes for our health systems by implementing recommendations from this report.”
WILAN Global’s commitment to supporting women leaders in health governance is evident through this publication, which serves as a roadmap for policymakers, health practitioners, and development partners to drive change.
The full White Paper report is now available to view on WILAN Global’s official website.
About WILAN Global
Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) Global is a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting women in leadership by providing them with valuable resources, essential tools, and a supportive network. WILAN’s vision is to inspire a shift to gender-balanced leadership across all levels of political, economic, and public life. To learn more, visit https://wilanglobal.org/
