Ibrahim Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Jigawa State Government to ensure full participation and fair consideration of women in educational leadership, revealing that only 14 percent of leadership positions—such as head teachers or their deputies—are currently occupied by women in the state.
The call was made by Rahama Rihood Mohammed, Chief of the UNICEF Kano Field Office, during an event organized by the High-Level Women Advocates (HiLWA) with support from the European Union.
According to Mohammed, the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect not only on achievements so far but also on the persistent gaps in achieving gender balance in education leadership.
He disclosed that findings indicate that while women make up the majority of the teaching workforce in Jigawa State, they remain largely excluded from leadership and decision-making roles that influence school management, teacher support, and student learning outcomes.
“Despite their qualifications, experience, and dedication, most women are still sidelined from key leadership positions due to cultural and social norms, family expectations, and institutional biases,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of HiLWA, Professor Ummu Abdulwahid, said the group’s mission is to advocate for greater access of the girl child to education by addressing the barriers that hinder full enrolment, retention, and completion of basic education.
She emphasized that HiLWA is committed to promoting the implementation of laws and policies that advance gender equity in the education sector.
According to her, the organization continues to build strong partnerships with both state and non-state actors to achieve its goals of ensuring that women and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive in Jigawa’s education system.