A recent stakeholder dialogue in Abuja, organized by the SIL Foundation, brought together experts to discuss Nigeria's persistent gender leadership gap and the need for sustainable investment in women's health and empowerment. The event, held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, aimed to identify practical solutions to dismantle barriers hindering women's progress. According to the Executive Director of SIL Foundation, Mrs. Ubile Charity Lawson, the foundation is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable women, particularly widows, through various initiatives.
The dialogue featured a keynote address by Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom. Patel highlighted the stark disparity between women's participation in healthcare and their representation in senior leadership positions. Citing statistics, she noted that women comprise about 70% of the healthcare workforce but occupy only 5% of senior leadership positions in low- and middle-income countries. Nigeria's ranking of 144th out of 146 countries on a gender-equity index was also cited, with Patel attributing this to discrimination, cultural expectations, and limited professional support.
Patel called for institutional reforms, mentorship, flexible working arrangements, and leadership development programs to address the gender leadership gap. She emphasized that empowering women requires changing systems and policies, rather than expecting individuals to overcome existing obstacles. The Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Mrs. Boladale Akin-Kolapo, also spoke at the event, warning that dependence on international aid threatens the sustainability of programs supporting women and adolescent girls.
Akin-Kolapo urged Nigeria to strengthen domestic funding and ensure that development priorities reflect the needs of its citizens. The Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board commended SIL Foundation for providing scholarships and school supplies to vulnerable students. During the 2025/2026 academic session, 92 students benefited from the initiative, while 120 students across 12 government senior secondary schools received support for the 2026/2027 session.
Representatives of Women in Public Health Leadership Africa (WiPHLA) and Well Life Foundation also participated in the dialogue. WiPHLA's network comprises over 600 women across 29 countries, while Well Life Foundation pledged continued collaboration with SIL Foundation. The organizations called for stronger partnerships to improve healthcare access, strengthen women's leadership, and support vulnerable communities.
In his vote of thanks, SIL Foundation Co-Founder, Mr. Stanley Lawson, urged non-governmental organizations and civil society groups to pool their limited resources to reach more vulnerable people. He emphasized that sustained collaboration is essential to expanding the impact of interventions for widows, struggling families, and children. The dialogue aimed to foster partnerships that deliver lasting benefits to underserved communities.
The SIL Foundation's initiatives focus on providing healthcare support, educational scholarships, and empowerment programs for vulnerable women, particularly widows. The organization's efforts aim to address the systemic barriers that hinder women's advancement and promote sustainable development. By engaging stakeholders and advocating for practical reforms, the SIL Foundation seeks to contribute to a more equitable society.
Key points
- Experts call for practical reforms to address Nigeria's gender leadership gap.
- Women's participation in healthcare and senior leadership positions remains a significant challenge.
- Sustainable investment in women's health and empowerment is crucial for addressing the gender leadership gap.
