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Her Excellency Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki this week chaired a panel on “Accountability and Human Development”, as a Guest of Honour, at the Nigeria Governors Forum Induction Summit for Spouses of Governors and Governors-Elect.

Ahead of International Day of the Midwife, which is marked on 5th May, Mrs Saraki – who is the Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives, representing 500,000 midwives, in 132 associations across 113 countries – highlighted the importance of midwives as defenders of women’s rights.

Mrs Saraki, who drew upon her experience as First Lady of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, also focused her remarks on  reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH), nutrition, Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC), and the water, sanitation and hygiene programs of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, of which she is the Founder-President.

Mrs Saraki further commented:

“I was delighted this week to chair a panel, “Accountability and Human Development”, as a Guest of Honour, at the Nigeria Governors Forum Induction Summit for Spouses of Governors and Governors-Elect, at the kind invitation of His Excellency Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Yari, Governor of Zamfara State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, Nigeria.”

“I was pleased to introduce UN Women, The ONE Campaign, BudgIT, CODE, and the Health Sector Reform Coalition to the Spouses of the Governors and Governors-Elect, in advocating for the principles of Accountability and Human Development, regarding universal health coverage,

the basic health care provision fund, education, gender affirmative policies and child rights, all of which flow from comprehensive civil registrations and vital statistics.”

“I commend the Nigeria Governors Forum for pioneering this laudable initiative”.

“In sharing the evolution and progress of my Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s  programs to raise the quality and accessibility of maternal and child health care, nutrition, civil registrations and vital statistics in Nigeria, I also also highlighted the important role of midwives in Nigeria and around the world. Women and girls have the right to live safe from harm, violence, discrimination and abuse. As community leaders and interlocutors, midwives are best placed to foster safe environments including, but also beyond, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. In a year when midwives have been killed and threatened for carrying out their duties, I paid tribute to those who we have lost and reiterate our core belief that we need more midwives to provide a quality continuum and care and counsel, and our midwives need safe and enabling environments to work in and the right to provide care across their full scope of practice, with the right training, remuneration and support.”

The Governors Spouses Summit, chaired by Hajia Asmau Yari, wife of the Zamfara State Governor and Chair of Nigeria Governors Forum, was also attended by Guests of Honour, Their Excellencies the Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, Former First Ladies Hajiya Turai Yar-Adua, Professor Mrs Uche Azikiwe, Wife of Former Vice-President Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, and Honorable Dorothy McAuliffe, Former First Lady of Virginia State, USA, alongside several global development agencies and partners.

Mrs Saraki is also Special Adviser to the Independent Advisory Group to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa and was named by Devex as a global ‘Health for All Champion.’ The Wellbeing Foundation Africa is a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

Ahead of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in New York on Monday, Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, co-chaired a technical session on women’s rights and equality in global health in North Carolina, bringing together leading experts from the sector.

The session was led by Mrs Saraki at SwitchPoint 2019, the annual gathering of global humanitarian experts hosted by IntraHealth International, alongside Pape Gaye, President and Chief Executive Officer of IntraHealth International; Constance Newman, Senior Team Leader, Gender Equality and Health at IntraHealth International; and moderated by Stembile Mugore, Senior advisor for health sector performance and sustainability at IntraHealth International.

Mrs Saraki expressed her hope that the technical session would lead to a step-change in the push for equality in the global health sector at large, from leadership positions to the frontline healthcare workforce, stating that:

“Women make up 70% of the health and social-sector workforce, yet half of women’s contributions to global health are unpaid. Women are also under-represented in global health leadership, taking on only 25% of senior positions.”

“We have identified Global Health 50/50 reports which demonstrate that organizations from the United Nations system; bilateral and multilateral development institutions; philanthropic organizations and funders; civil society and nongovernmental organizations; public-private partnerships; and the private sector still have a long way to go to reflect the values they are trying to themselves instil. I do however salute our male allies – for instance, when the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, became the first African to succeed to that role, he established a senior leadership team which consists of more than 60% women.”

“Dr Tedros is also correct to point out that it is often health workers who are the first responders to violence and deal with its consequences, and that investments in creating jobs for health workers are also investments in gender equality.”

“IntraHealth International has also led the way in its deliberate affirmation of female leadership: where such organizations have been trailblazers, it is now incumbent upon nation states to follow suit as part of national and global health priorities.”

Commenting ahead of the United Nations Multi-Stakeholder Hearings on Universal Health Coverage holding in New York, Mrs Saraki added:

“Community healthcare workers are at the front line of key interventions, including immunization and in the fight against measles, but we have identified research which shows how they are often systematically taken advantage of in the most distressing of ways. This has to change.”

“The challenges faced by midwives who lead the community care continuum are no different to the barriers restraining women from global health leadership. In the World Health Organization’s 2016 report ‘Midwives’ Voices Midwives Realities,’ which documented the voices and experiences of 2,470 midwifery personnel who provide care to childbearing women and their newborns in 93 countries, it was pointed out that midwifery plays a “vital” role, and when provided by educated, trained, regulated, licensed midwives, is associated with “improved quality of care and rapid and sustained reductions in maternal and newborn mortality.”

The report also highlights however “that it is not just about fixing financial resources or health systems, but about redressing complex hierarchies of power and transforming gender dynamics. Respondents highlighted that “power, agency and status” is important for midwifery personnel if progress is to be made in delivering quality care.”

“We must achieve proper leadership representation for women in the global health space throughout Africa and the world – but also in every legislature, and at the very highest level of politics, business and civil society. We can commend our male allies whilst appreciating the need for women to lead the way for women ourselves.”

“The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Global Compact, is commited to achieving universal health coverage through a model focused on primary healthcare model – along with the right training and support for healthcare workers, a comprehensive accountability structure, and safe water, sanitation and hygiene conditions.”

Mrs Saraki is also Special Advisor to the Independent Advisory Group to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa and the Global Goodwill Ambassador to the International Confederation of Midwives.

Toyin Ojora Saraki this week delivered the keynote speech to SwitchPoint 2019 Conference in North Carolina. SwitchPoint is an annual meeting of hundreds of attendees from around the world, including non-profit and development professionals, corporate experts, educators, policy makers, innovators and social entrepreneurs.

The Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa delivered the keynote on the theme of ‘Every Woman, Every Child, Every Hour.’ It was described by Heather LaGarde, Producer of SwitchPoint 2019 as “a stunningly powerful keynote” which moved her to tears.

Toyin Ojora Saraki this week delivered the keynote speech to SwitchPoint 2019 Conference in North Carolina. SwitchPoint is an annual meeting of hundreds of attendees from around the world, including non-profit and development professionals, corporate experts, educators, policy makers, innovators and social entrepreneurs.

The Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa delivered the keynote on the theme of ‘Every Woman, Every Child, Every Hour.’ It was described by Heather LaGarde, Producer of SwitchPoint 2019 as “a stunningly powerful keynote” which moved her to tears.

Mrs Saraki also co-chaired a ‘Micro-lab’ focus session on the topic of ‘Women First’ with Pape Gaye, President and Chief Executive Officer of IntraHealth International; Constance Newman, Senior Team Leader, Gender Equality and Health at IntraHealth International; and Stembile Mugore, Senior advisor for health sector performance and sustainability at IntraHealth International.

Mrs Saraki is also Special Advisor to the Independent Advisory Group to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa and the Global Goodwill Ambassador to the International Confederation of Midwives.

Major US Conference set to tackle Global Health, Impacts of Misinformation, Immersive Technology and Innovation

Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Toyin Ojora Saraki, is set to deliver the keynote address to the SwitchPoint2019 Conference in North Carolina this week, as global humanitarian experts gather for the annual sessions hosted by IntraHealth International.

Each year SwitchPoint draws hundreds of attendees from around the world, including non-profit and development professionals, corporate experts, educators, policy makers, innovators and social entrepreneurs.

Mrs Saraki is expected to address key aspects of the health workforce, maternal and child health, and gender equity, drawing upon her experience leading a Foundation at the frontline of healthcare solutions, in addition to her advisory role to the Independent Advisory Group to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa and as the Global Goodwill Ambassador to the International Confederation of Midwives.

In addition to Mrs Saraki’s keynote speech, presentations will also be made by global health leaders and innovators, including:

– Leah Borromeo, creator of the Climate Symphony, which turns data on climate change into musical composition

– Andrew Zolli, head of global impact initiatives at Planet, a breakthrough space and AI organization that has deployed the largest constellation of Earth-observing satellites in history.

– Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, who will be speaking about rights-based universal health coverage in Africa.

– Tine Knott, vice president of the Center for Secure and Stable States at DAI, who designs programs to counter violent extremism and build peace and security.

– Hawa Talla, a chief of party for IntraHealth in Senegal, who pioneers efforts to expand new contraceptive technologies in West Africa and new ways to get African city mayors involved in family planning.

– Serge Attukwei Clottey, an artist known for Afrogallonism, a concept that explores the relationship between material objects—such the ubiquitous yellow, gallon-size oil container—in relation to consumption and necessity in the lives of modern Africans.

Representatives from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, Harvard and Duke Universities, Pfizer and the US Agency for International Development, among many others, will also be in attendance this year.

Wellbeing Foundation Africa joins National Consultation on Women, Peace and Security in Abuja

This week the Wellbeing Foundation Africa joined the British High Commission in Abuja, Gender Action for Peace and Security in the UK, Women For Women International, Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and other civil society experts at the National Consultation on International Commitments and Priorities for action on the 20th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2020.

The aim of the consultation was to reflect on women, peace, and security in Nigeria and to develop clear recommendations for the UK Government and the wider international community for action.

Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, commented following the consultation meeting:

“I am pleased the Wellbeing Foundation Africa can bring its experience to bear on global policy for women, peace and security. Reflecting on the plight of the still-missing Chibok school girls, Leah Sharibu and all victims of forced disappearances, my hope is that these consultations will yield a sound global strategy for swifter responses in all circumstances.”

“With the 20th anniversary of the resolution next year, nation states have the responsibility to ensure adherence to this resolution to increase the direct participation of women in conflict resolution, and incorporate gender perspectives into all peace and security efforts.”

“I commend the Gender Action for Peace and Security in the UK (GAPS), the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the British High Commission in Abuja for their partnership and action at a time when the security of women and our nation is paramount.”

Acknowledging key civil society partners including H.E Toyin Ojora Saraki and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, the British High Commissioner Catriona Laing stated:

“One of the areas we are working on with the Nigerian Government is the passage of Gender and equal opportunity bill. And we are hopeful it will be passed into law soon, to ensure an extensive legal framework that caters for the security, justice and wellbeing of women and girls across the country. “

The Security Council adopted the resolution on women, peace and security on 31 October 2000. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. Resolution 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts. It also calls on all parties to conflict to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in situations of armed conflict.

Today, Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, was announced as the newest member on Concordia’s Leadership Council. Joining a roster of global influences and leaders, Concordia commented:

“With over two decades in advocating for maternal, newborn, and child health across Africa, Mrs Saraki has dedicated her life to empowering communities through education and gender equality. Founded in 2004 in Nigeria, WBFA strives to improve health outcomes for women, infants, and children across Africa. Through a multi-faceted strategy consisting of research, programmes, policy, education, and advocacy, WBFA—along with its sister organization, Wellbeing for Women Africa—is facilitating tangible, lasting progress towards the attainment of the SDGs, with a particular focus on SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being; SDG 5, Gender Equality; and, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation.”

Concordia welcomed Mrs Saraki as a Speaker at the launch of the 2019 Concordia Africa Initiative in London. In a conversation titled African-Led Philanthropy: Recasting the Aid-Dependent Narrative, Mrs Saraki shared her insight into the ways in which African philanthropists and corporate foundations can advance meaningful innovations to create social impact across the continent. Emphasizing the need to ensure the longevity of philanthropic projects, Mrs Saraki highlighted the critical role of community-level buy-in in cultivating a sense of ownership, responsibility, accountability, and—ultimately—sustainability.

“It was an honor to host Mrs Saraki at our inaugural Africa Initiative, where she demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the youth of Africa and shared her invaluable perspective on the role of innovative philanthropic models across the continent,” remarked Concordia Co-Founders Nicholas Logothetis and Matthew Swift. “It is with great pride that we welcome Mrs Saraki to our esteemed Leadership Council, and know that she will play an integral role in shaping our priorities, approach, and growth as we develop our Africa Initiative at the Annual Summit in New York this September and beyond.”

Upon accepting the invitation, Mrs Saraki commented: “I am honoured to join the Concordia Leadership Council, the leading organisation in fostering, elevating and sustaining cross-sector partnerships for social impact. I look forward to bringing my experience as a global advocate for inclusive health, education and economic strategies focused on improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of women, children and youth to the dialogue; I am hugely encouraged by the prospect of cascading the power and effect of the Council’s vision, mission and strategic leadership into frontline collaborations that transform the lives of my fellow Africans for the better.”

Mrs Saraki joins the Leadership Council alongside being global champion for Universal Health Coverage, Special Advisor to the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), and the inaugural Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation on Midwives (ICM).