SIL Foundation Advocates for Women's Empowerment in Abuja

A stakeholder dialogue held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja addressed Nigeria's gender leadership gap and the need for sustainable investment in women's health and empowerment. Mrs Ubile Charity Lawson, Executive Director of SIL Foundation, emphasized the foundation's commitment to supporting vulnerable women, particularly widows, through healthcare, educational scholarships, and empowerment initiatives.

Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that women constitute about 70 percent of the healthcare workforce but only occupy five percent of senior leadership roles in low- and middle-income countries. She identified barriers such as discrimination and cultural expectations and called for institutional reforms and mentorship programs.

Mrs Boladale Akin-Kolapo, Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, warned against reliance on international aid, urging for strengthened domestic funding. The dialogue also featured contributions from representatives of Women in Public Health Leadership Africa and Well Life Foundation, who advocated for improved healthcare access and women's leadership.

Mr Stanley Lawson, Co-Founder of SIL Foundation, called for collaboration among NGOs to better serve vulnerable populations.