Women Lead Campaign Against Open Defecation in Abuja

In Abuja, Nigeria, women leaders are spearheading a community-driven campaign to eradicate open defecation and elevate hygiene standards in Kundu Ward. The initiative, spearheaded by the Resource Conservation and Development Initiative International (RCDI) under its ThriveFlow program, aims to leverage the grassroots influence of women to foster sanitation awareness and promote the consistent use of toilets.

“

The project was designed to place women at the forefront of efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Kundu Ward.

Supported by ActionAid Nigeria through the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership–Nigeria Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, and in partnership with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), the project is training 80 women from 16 communities. These women will serve as sanitation champions, conducting door-to-door campaigns to educate families on proper sanitation, handwashing, and maintaining clean environments, ultimately working towards achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for the ward.

“

Women play critical roles in household hygiene, childcare, water management and community mobilisation, making them effective advocates for behavioural change and improved sanitation practices.

The campaign also addresses menstrual hygiene, providing education and distributing reusable sanitary pads to women and adolescent girls. This dual focus aims to improve health outcomes and uphold dignity within the community. Local officials have lauded the initiative, recognizing the critical role women play in driving behavioral change and complementing existing government efforts to accelerate progress in sanitation.

“

Kwali Area Council had continued to implement sensitisation programmes to encourage toilet construction and usage, adding that the women-led intervention would complement existing government efforts and accelerate progress towards ODF status.