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By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, experts and advocates are emphasizing the crucial role of family planning (FP) in advancing women’s rights and empowerment.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ calls for urgent steps toward gender equality, particularly in education, employment, and leadership.
Access to FP services, experts say, allows women to complete their education, pursue careers, and contribute meaningfully to society.
More importantly, childbirth spacing reduces maternal and infant mortality, strengthening families and communities.
Suliyat Eletu, Communication and Knowledge Management Officer at the Development Communications Network (DevComs), describes family planning as more than a health intervention.
“It is a catalyst for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development,” she said.
Dr. Taiwo Johnson, Country Lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, stressed the importance of reproductive choices for women, noting that access to FP leads to better health outcomes and improved economic opportunities.
“When women can plan their families, they are better positioned to make informed decisions that impact their lives and society positively,” he explained.
Since 2017, TCI has worked alongside the Nigerian government, offering technical assistance to 22 states, this is according to a statement made available to FACTUAL NAIJA NEWS.
Managed by The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP), the initiative supports states, local governments, and partners willing to invest in family planning through proven, high-impact approaches.
Despite progress, significant barriers persist. Cultural and religious resistance, supply chain disruptions, policy gaps, and widespread misconceptions continue to hinder access to FP services. Many women, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, struggle with poor healthcare access and limited male involvement in reproductive decision-making.
To sustain progress, experts call for stronger commitments, including institutionalizing FP training in medical schools, securing FP commodities, integrating FP into Universal Health Coverage, and fostering community ownership through collaboration with civil society organizations and traditional leaders. Increased government funding and policy reforms are also crucial to ensuring long-term success.
As the nation marks International Women’s Day, stakeholders reaffirm that family planning is not just about reproductive health—it is about empowering women to shape their futures. With ongoing advocacy and investments, Nigeria is making strides toward a future where every woman has access to FP services, paving the way for healthier families and stronger communities.
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