Women Launch Campaign Against Open Defecation in Abuja

Women leaders from 16 communities in Kundu Ward of Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have initiated a campaign aimed at eliminating open defecation and enhancing hygiene practices. This community-driven initiative is implemented by the Resource Conservation and Development Initiative International (RCDI) under its ThriveFlow programme, which focuses on women’s health, dignity, and community resilience, with support from ActionAid Nigeria through the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership–Nigeria Project funded by Global Affairs Canada.

The programme collaborates with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA). RCDI Programme Officer Mary-Jane Adaku Ukaegbu stated that 80 women will be trained as sanitation champions to conduct house-to-house sensitization campaigns, educate families on sanitation, and monitor progress towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

The initiative also includes menstrual hygiene education and the distribution of reusable sanitary pad kits to promote dignity among women and girls. Mrs. Aminat Dada, WASH Coordinator of Kwali Area Council, praised the initiative as timely and urged community support.