Dedicating My Account To Mothers And Young Girls In Rural North

Strengthening systems that support and protect women and young girls.

Photo credit: Gemini

The New Year Reality

It is 2026, eleven days into the New Year. As many across the globe kickstart their resolutions, people in rural communities—particularly mothers and young girls—remain stuck within the walls of their houses. They are wondering if their dreams count, and if our health systems will finally become inclusive of their needs. We are now only four years away from 2030, yet the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at protecting and improving the lives of all women and girls are far from being met.

The View from Sokoto

I write this from the lens of someone who carries 25 years’ worth of memories in Sokoto. I have witnessed the strides the state has achieved over the years, but I have also seen the gaps that remain unaddressed. Because of this, I am dedicating my 2026 to the mothers and young girls living in rural communities, especially across Northern Nigeria. Through this platform, I hope to document the unmet needs of women, girls, and even the children who unfortunately bear the devastating effects of health failures alongside their mothers. I will use my pen to highlight the challenges we face and how stakeholders can contribute to addressing them.

The Crisis We Face

Promoting maternal health, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and menstrual hygiene in Northern Nigeria is critical for addressing some of the world’s most severe health disparities. Currently, Nigeria remains among the top three most dangerous countries for childbirth—a position it has tragically maintained since 2021. Northern Nigeria contributes significantly to these appalling statistics. Low utilization of professional maternal health services and inadequate infrastructure are costing lives. This region also sees a high prevalence of girls married by age 15, exposing them to the scourge of early marriage: obstetric fistula, birth complications, and intimate partner violence.

The 2026 Mission

This year, I will use my pen to raise awareness of the gaps that hamper maternal health progress, SRHR promotion, and the upscaling of menstrual awareness and hygiene. I intend to call on the drivers of change in this region. I will provide evidence-based recommendations tailored to the specific needs of women and girls in rural Northern Nigeria.

Our voices have been quiet for too long. In 2026, let us make them heard.

Maternalhealth #SRHR #Menstrualawareness