UNICEF, EU, HiLWA Push For Women Inclusion in Education Leadership in Jigawa
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the High-Level Women Advocates (HiLWA) has called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making positions within Jigawa State’s basic education sector.
The call was made during a dissemination workshop on “The Role of Women in Leadership and Decision-Making Positions in the Basic Education Sector in Jigawa State,” held at Manpower Development Institute (MDI), on Wednesday in Dutse.
Speaking at the workshop, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed said giving women leadership roles in the education sector would enhance management, promote community participation, and improve learning outcomes, particularly for girls
He noted that despite their qualifications and commitment, most women remain excluded from decision-making roles that shape how schools are managed and how students learn.
Mohammed said although women constitute the majority of the teaching workforce in Jigawa, only 14 percent of them occupy leadership positions.
“Study identified cultural norms, family expectations, and institutional biases as key barriers preventing women from advancing into leadership roles, despite existing policies that support gender inclusion.
“Empowering women to take up leadership roles in education enhances school management, promotes community participation, and improves learning outcomes—particularly for girls.
“When girls see women leading their schools, they see what they can become,” the UNICEF representative emphasized.
Mohammed said UNICEF remains committed to working with HiLWA, the EU, Jigawa State Ministry of Basic Education, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to translate the findings of the study into actionable policies.
He also pledged continued support for initiatives that promote transparent recruitment and promotion processes, mentorship networks for female teachers, and community engagement to challenge social norms restricting women’s leadership.
“Advancing women’s leadership in education is not simply about fairness, it is about building a better future for our children,” the UNICEF chief said.
He commended HiLWA for initiating the study and praised the EU for providing financial support for the timely and thought-provoking research.
