The Network

The Network of Female Professionals in WASH Nigeria (FEMinWASH) has inaugurated its Cross River State chapter, marking a significant step in advancing gender equality and inclusive governance in the state’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The launch, organised in collaboration with Self Help Africa under the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), follows a similar rollout in Kano State earlier this year.

The event drew participation from senior government officials, representatives of the Ministry of Water Resources, the State Water Board, local government authorities, development partners, civil society groups, and youth advocates — signalling broad support for mainstreaming gender in WASH service delivery. As part of the inauguration, a two-day gender awareness training was held for key stakeholders, adopting a gender-transformative approach to tackle structural inequalities and harmful norms. One outcome of the session was the development of a Gender in WASH Action Plan for integration at state and local levels.

FEMinWASH President, Dr Bolu Onobolu, said the new chapter would accelerate progress on WASH issues in the state. “With a chapter of FEMinWASH here in Cross River State made up of women professionals from diverse institutions, supported by the state and our partners, we believe WASH issues in the state will be accelerated, scaled up, and sustained to the benefit of all,” she said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources and Chairman of the State Task Group on WASH, Dr Okon Ita, stressed the importance of women’s participation in governance and service delivery. “Women must be meaningfully involved at every stage of the sector — policy, legislation, planning, and implementation. Too often, in our villages, women walk long distances to fetch water, facing risks along the way. FEMinWASH must change that story,” he stated.

From the programme’s perspective, John Wali, WS4H Programme Manager at Self Help Africa, highlighted the significance of the launch. “One of the key activities under WS4H is to develop a comprehensive State Gender Action Plan. Today, with FEMinWASH Cross River formally launched, we have taken a huge step toward ensuring those systems are gender-responsive and sustainable,” he said.

Youth voices were also prominent, with Love Odey, Youth Coordinator of FEMinWASH Cross River, emphasising the importance of inclusion. “The place of youth cannot be underestimated in any intervention. If you exclude us, sustainability cannot be guaranteed,” she said. Other dignitaries, including Gloria Edet, Director of Administration at the State Water Board, commended the training for exposing gaps in existing approaches and pledged to take the lessons into their communities.

The Cross River chapter is expected to serve as a model for gender-responsive WASH governance in Nigeria, with partners expressing optimism that the initiative will not only empower women and youth but also transform service delivery in the state.