Twenty-nine women leaders across Nigeria's health sector have completed a year-long leadership development programme aimed at strengthening their influence and improving health outcomes in the country. The 2025 Nigeria Leadership Journey, delivered through a partnership between WomenLift Health and the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), concluded with a two-day Lift-Off event in Abuja. The event brought together stakeholders from government, development organisations, and the wider health ecosystem.
Programme Details
The programme targeted mid-career women already working within the health system, equipping them with skills to deepen their leadership capacity, strengthen their voices, and expand their professional networks to contribute more effectively to decision-making. Although women make up a large proportion of Nigeria's health workforce, particularly in frontline roles, leadership positions remain largely dominated by men. This imbalance is considered critical in a country that accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal deaths, underscoring the need for more inclusive leadership to improve maternal and broader health outcomes.
Minister's Remarks
At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said Nigeria's health system cannot reach its full potential without inclusive leadership. He stated: “Nigeria's health system cannot reach its full potential without inclusive and representative leadership. When women lead, maternal mortality becomes more than a statistic; it becomes a mission. When women lead, primary healthcare is not just infrastructure, it becomes a lifeline. And when women lead, communities do not just receive services, they receive dignity.”
Activities and Outcomes
Over the 12-month period, participants engaged in in-person residencies, virtual learning sessions, coaching, mentorship, and leadership projects designed to strengthen their leadership identity and build confidence to influence decision-making. The programme also enabled them to develop initiatives and build strong peer networks across the sector.
Global Perspective
President of WomenLift Health, Amie Batson, said the initiative reflects a global pattern in which women play central roles in healthcare delivery but remain underrepresented in leadership positions. “Across countries, we see the same pattern: women are central to healthcare delivery but underrepresented in leadership. This partnership reflects a shared conviction that the future of health in Nigeria and across Africa will be shaped by women leaders who are supported to fully step into their influence,” she said.
Local Impact
Founder and Executive Director of WILAN, Abosede George-Ogan, said the programme focuses on amplifying the contributions of women already working within the system. “This is not just about developing leaders; it is about amplifying the impact of women who are already shaping the system. We are building a pipeline of confident, connected leaders ready to influence decisions and drive change where it matters most,” she said.
