WaterAid Nigeria has launched a new initiative called EmpowerHer, a project funded by the Government of Canada to expand sexual and reproductive health services and improve gender-responsive water, sanitation and hygiene systems. The programme aims to equip adolescent girls with the information and support they need to make informed health decisions, especially in communities where access to basic services remains limited.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Kolawole Banwo, who represented the Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, noted the dangers women and girls face when clean water is far from home. He said, “When water supply sources are far and women and girls have to walk long distances to fetch water, they become exposed to attack, which predisposes them to gender-based violence.”
The Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, explained that the project represents an important step toward improving health outcomes for women and girls. She said the organisation’s long-term vision is to ensure that every woman and girl can manage her health with dignity. According to her, “Our vision is a future where women and girls can manage their health and hygiene with dignity, free from stigma, and where access to clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene is not a privilege but a basic right. That is the world WaterAid is working towards, and EmpowerHer takes us one step closer.” She added that the project aligns with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, which places strong focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Tonia Udodrim said Canada’s role has strengthened efforts to improve women’s lives. She stated, “Canada’s investment has contributed to strengthening health systems and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.”
The Head of Development Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Arash Tehrani, highlighted Canada’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria. He explained that Global Affairs Canada values its collaboration with government institutions, development partners and local communities. He also recognised the contributions of Nigerian women and girls, noting their resilience. According to him, their determination continues to inspire Canada’s development work in the country.
The EmpowerHer project will be deployed across selected states through community outreach, construction of gender-friendly WASH facilities and training for local health workers. Project reports show that the initiative will help adolescent girls gain knowledge and confidence, prepare health workers to offer inclusive care and strengthen government systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
A statement on the project noted, “The financial support from Global Affairs Canada has strengthened our systems, and we look forward to deepening this relationship and partnership.”
UNICEF’s commitment to advancing gender equality was also highlighted. The organisation aims to tackle the root causes of inequality by shifting norms and systems so that every girl can learn, stay safe, be healthy and thrive.
The launch ended with a call for more support from development partners, private sector actors and civil society groups. The statement added, “We appreciate the support of Global Affairs Canada in making funding available for us to intervene in this manner. We commit, as other partners have done, to continue to work with them in deep collaboration to reinforce this messaging and to ensure that women and girls have their rights realized, respected, facilitated and protected.”
