Providing access to Family Planning (FP) services will enable women to participate in the workforce and contribute significantly to the development of the society, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has said.
In addition, it helps women to complete their education even as childbirth spacing will also help to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) stated this in a message to mark this year’s International Women’s Day pointing out that access to Family Planning services for women will also promote healthier families and stronger communitiee.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, ” Accelerate Action,” it stated that it calls “for rapid advancements in gender equality and recognising strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership.”
“We strongly support the theme of the 2025 IWD through accelerating Women’s Access to Family planning (FP), which is more than just a health intervention—it is a catalyst for gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, says Suliyat Eletu, Communication/Knowledge Management Officer of Development Communication which also partners TCI.
According to Taiwo Johnson, the Country lead at The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria “by allowing women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, FP/Childbirth Spacing, it ensures better health outcomes, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for families and communities.”
He said TCI has been supporting the government of Nigeria since 2017, providing technical support to 22 States across the country for a sustainable local response to the needs of women and families.
Managed by The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programmes (CCP), he explained thatl TCI’s Nigeria hub has accelerated the proven to work high-impact family planning approaches and provided guidance to self-selected states, local government areas (LGAs), and partners willing to invest in family planning.
“New states, cities, and partners ask for technical and financial coaching and mentoring to implement successful family planning programming to match their investments.
“FP/Childbirth Spacing is a cornerstone for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on women’s health, economic growth, and gender equality:
“SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): FP reduces unintended pregnancies, lowers maternal and child mortality, and ensures better health outcomes for women and infants.
“SDG 4 (Quality Education): When women and girls have access to FP, they are more likely to complete their education and pursue economic opportunities.
“SDG 5 (Gender Equality): FP empowers women by giving them control over their reproductive choices, promoting equality in decision-making within families and communities.
“SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Women who can plan their families are more likely to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic development.
“SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Expanding FP services ensures that vulnerable populations, including those in rural and conflict-affected areas, have access to essential reproductive healthcare.
“SDG 13 (Climate Action): Managing population growth through FP helps reduce environmental pressures and supports sustainable resource management.”
According to him, despite significant efforts, challenges have continued to hinder FP accessibility in Nigeria, including cultural and religious resistance to modern contraceptives.
Other challenges include stockouts of FP commodities due to supply chain disruptions.inadequate funding and policy gaps limiting service expansion. misconceptions and myths discouraging contraceptive use as well limited male involvement in FP decision-making.
“Poor healthcare access, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas,
weak logistics management systems affecting FP commodity availability, he added.
To sustain the gains of FP for the future the country must ensure continued progress, by institutionalizing FP training in medical and nursing schools, strengthening FP commodity security through improved supply chains and integrating FP into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programnes as well as expanding government commitment to FP budgeting and funding, he said.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s clear that family planning is not just about reproductive health—it’s about empowering women to plan their futures.
“TCI work in the six geopolitical zones across Nigeria, where real progress is being made through advocacy, education, and community-led interventions.
“The journey is ongoing, but with sustained commitment, a future where every woman can access FP services within reach.”
