By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Hospitals Management Agency, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide has highlighted initiatives of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administration, which are aimed at women’s and children’s health, gender equality, women empowerment and combating gender-based violence (GBV) at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held at the United Nations in New York.
Dr. Urhoghide represented Edo State at the Conference, which focused on reviewing and appraising the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. During the conference, she highlighted the steps taken by the Edo State Government to include the allocation of one billion Naira soft loan to market women, as announced during the International Women’s Day celebrations on March 7, 2025. She asserted that the financial support aims to bolster women’s economic independence and to reduce incidences of abuse.
Citing her appointment as Permanent Secretary, Dr. Urhoghide said five other females and a male were appointed as permanent secretaries at same time, testifying to the Governor’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. According to her, Edo State parades 18 functioning female permanent secretaries out of 34.
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Okpebholo was applauded for his supports to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre for providing services such as safe housing to survivors of GBV in the State. The Governor’s support for repatriated Edo citizens was also appreciated, echoing the commitment to addressing GBV. Dr. Urhoghide proposed to establish GBV response desks in every public hospital in the State, to alleviate the burden on the Vivian Center in Benin City.
Dr. Urhoghide stated that the State offers free birth delivery service in all public secondary facilities and attended sessions where the means of reducing maternal and infant mortality were discussed. She sought partnerships of some international gynaecologists with the Edo State Government to reduce access time to health facilities and prevent deaths, which aligns with the State Governor’s agenda of access to affordable healthcare in the State.
She underscored the need for enforced monitoring and regulation of health facilities with plans to utilize data on all healthcare facilities and services in the State for mapping. According to her, it will enable the public to access information on each health facility, including standard ratings, registration status, and services rendered.
Technological methods of preventing GBV, Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs), and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law for combating GBV were noted for implementation at the Conference.
Dr. Urhoghide’s presentations of Edo State potentials and the relationships established during the Conference will contribute to creating a more supportive environment for women and enhancing their economic opportunities.
