Why women need more support, not just celebration — Dr Fasawe

The Mandate Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has called for stronger support systems for women, saying they play a critical role in caregiving and national development.

Speaking on Arise TV to mark International Women’s Day, Fasawe said women deserve more than symbolic recognition, noting that many of them carry the burden of caring for families and patients.

According to her, women account for the majority of caregivers in hospitals across Nigeria.

“About 90 percent of patients who have relatives caring for them in hospitals are women. Women have long been tagged as providers and caregivers,” she said.

Fasawe emphasised that for women to continue playing these roles effectively, there must be supportive structures that ensure their wellbeing.

“For a woman to give and care, there must be a supportive system. Women should also be cared for. We are not empowering women enough,” she stated.

She also highlighted the central role of women in society, stressing that every human being is born through a woman.

Speaking on health initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory, Fasawe announced that key maternal health services are now free in all Primary Health Care centres across the FCT.

“I am particularly happy to announce that antenatal care, delivery and Caesarean section in all Primary Health Care centres are absolutely free,” she said.

She added that the administration is also promoting clean cooking initiatives in the FCT, including the distribution of free gas cylinders to support safer and healthier cooking methods for households.

Fasawe reiterated the need to recognise, support and empower women as part of efforts to build stronger communities and improved health outreach

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