Women Leaders Complete Nigeria Leadership Journey
In a remarkable achievement, twenty-nine women leaders from Nigeria’s health sector have successfully completed the 2025 Nigeria Leadership Journey (NLJ), a year-long leadership development program. This initiative is made possible through a collaboration between WomenLift Health and the Women in Leadership Advancement Network.
Program Culminates with Key Stakeholder Engagement
The program concluded with a two-day event that facilitated discussions among major stakeholders from government, development, and the wider health ecosystem. This gathering signified a pivotal transition into a new era of leadership and influence for the participating women.
Emphasizing Inclusive Leadership in Health
At the Lift Off opening ceremony, Mohamed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Daju Kacholomu, underscored the necessity for inclusive and representative leadership in Nigeria’s health system. He stated that without such leadership, the system cannot achieve its full potential. He emphasized that when women lead, the narrative surrounding maternal mortality shifts from mere statistics to a meaningful mission.
Transforming Primary Health Care Through Women’s Leadership
Pate went on to highlight that effective leadership by women transforms primary health care into more than just a framework; it becomes a vital lifeline for communities. He asserted that women’s leadership not only ensures the delivery of services but also upholds the dignity of the communities they serve.
Addressing Leadership Gaps in Health Care
The Nigeria Leadership Journey is designed for mid-career women currently engaged in the health system, aiming to deepen their leadership skills and broaden their networks. This approach enables them to have a more significant impact on decision-making processes and better health outcomes.
Advocating for Women’s Representation in Health Leadership
Amy Batson, president of Women’s Lift Health, pointed out a troubling trend, stating that while women are essential to health care delivery, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles across many countries. She expressed confidence that the future of health in Nigeria and Africa hinges on the empowerment of women leaders, who must be fully supported to exert their influence.
Bridging the Leadership Gap to Enhance Health Outcomes
Despite women constituting a large segment of Nigeria’s health workforce, particularly in front-line positions, leadership roles continue to be predominantly held by men. This inequity is particularly alarming given Nigeria’s significant contribution to global maternal mortality rates, which makes it essential to foster inclusive leadership to enhance both maternal and overall health outcomes. The NLJ program specifically addresses this gap by cultivating a pipeline of women leaders poised to make a substantial impact on health systems.
Development Through Learning and Connection
Abode George Ogun, founder and executive director of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network, remarked that the program is not only focused on developing leaders but also on amplifying the influence of women already making a difference within the system. The aim is to create a network of confident and connected leaders ready to drive change and influence critical decisions.
Expanding Leadership Initiatives for Future Cohorts
Throughout the year, participants engaged in a blend of in-person training, virtual sessions, coaching, and mentorship, helping them clarify their leadership identities and build the confidence required to effect change. This comprehensive model reflects a growing recognition that effective leadership development must extend beyond technical training to encompass systems thinking, sustained peer support, and the enhancement of influence.
Future Plans to Foster Midwifery Leadership
Building on the successes of the 2025 cohort, Women in Leadership Advancement Network and WomenLift Health are set to expand the leadership journey in 2026, with a specific emphasis on midwifery leadership. This initiative acknowledges the crucial role of frontline health workers in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
