Global Affsirs Canada–UNICEF Funded Program Encourages Men in Bauchi State to Take Up Domestic Responsibilities

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The District Head of Konkiyal in Darazo Local Government Area, Alhaji Sulaiman Magaji Abdulkadir, has commended the transformative impact of the Fathers for Good Health Initiative, describing it as a powerful force in reshaping long-standing cultural norms and improving family life in the community.

According to the traditional leader, it was once considered taboo for husbands to participate in household chores such as caring for babies, sweeping, washing dishes and clothes, cooking, or accompanying their wives to hospitals for antenatal care (ANC).

He said, these responsibilities were traditionally viewed as the exclusive domain of women hence the need to change the narrative , were many husbands in Konkiyal actively support their wives in domestic responsibilities, thereby fostering mutual love, respect, and understanding within marriages.

Alhaji Magaji Abdulkadir attributed this positive shift to sustained advocacy and community engagement by members of the Fathers for Good Health Initiative and Mama2Mama support groups operating in the area.

The District Head also applauded the Bauchi State Government, the Government and people of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, and UNICEF for their collaborative efforts in strengthening the healthcare system and addressing long-standing social gaps within families.

He said the intervention has helped build stronger bonds between couples, reduced cases of divorce and gender-based violence, improved maternal and child nutrition, and increased school enrollment among children in the community.

The District Head called on residents to continue supporting the Fathers for Good Health and Mama2Mama groups to sustain the progress achieved and promote rapid development in Bauchi State.

Alhaji Abdulkadir further urged Global Affairs Canada and UNICEF to expand the initiative’s scope to include greater support in education, healthcare, agriculture, and women and youth empowerment programs.