Kaduna Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe
Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has said that gender inclusion in leadership roles significantly strengthens health systems, improves service delivery and ensures decisions reflect the full spectrum of community needs.
Speaking at the Public Unveiling of Women in Public Health Leadership in Africa (WiPHLA) over the weekend, Dr. Balarabe, a seasoned Public Health Physician, said her professional journey from field work to becoming Director of Public Health in the FCT proved that women-led health teams often demonstrate superior community engagement and resilience.
She recalled witnessing local immunisation programmes thrive under female leadership and primary healthcare centres withstand difficult periods because of disciplined and dedicated women supervisors. These experiences, she said, reinforced her belief that leadership is a discipline acquired and demonstrated over time not a privilege reserved for a select few.
Dr. Balarabe noted that Kaduna State’s gender-inclusive governance model under the APC-led administration has further shown the value of women in strategic leadership.
She said the state has had two consecutive female Commissioners of Health since 2019, whose stewardship has driven major reforms and strengthened the health sector.
According to her, women have also led the state’s health supply chain agency back-to-back, resulting in improved efficiency, a stable flow of commodities and a model that now attracts study from other states. “These results did not appear by chance. They came from trust, opportunity and competence,” she said.
Citing global research, the Deputy Governor explained that studies by the Harvard School of Public Health link gender-balanced leadership to stronger governance and organisational resilience.
She added that despite women making up most of the global health workforce, the World Health Organization reports their underrepresentation in senior decision-making positions an imbalance that negatively affects performance.
She stated that evidence from McKinsey and Catalyst further shows higher organisational outcomes in institutions where women hold strategic leadership roles, stressing that diversity broadens judgment and expands problem-solving options. “Health is no exception,” she added.
Dr. Balarabe described WiPHLA’s mission as timely and essential, built on three core actions gathering, preparing and elevating women leaders.
She said the organisation must unite committed women, equip them with critical leadership skills and position them where their expertise can influence policy and strengthen systems.
She expressed confidence that WiPHLA can become a powerful force for shaping Africa’s future by serving as a resource platform, mentor and partner to both emerging and seasoned female professionals. To achieve this, she urged the organisation to anchor its work on three pillars: evidence, integrity and service.
