Women leaders in Nigeria have introduced a comprehensive Action Plan focused on improving health outcomes and strengthening resilience to climate change across the country. The plan was launched by Pathfinder International, a global health and development organisation, as part of its Women&Co platform, a new women-led initiative aimed at developing sustainable, locally driven solutions.
Image showing the members during the launch of Women&Co Nigeria in October, 2025 (source: tribuneonline).
The strategy, unveiled at an event in Nigeria, was influenced by women experts, innovators and entrepreneurs from various sectors. It outlines actions designed to empower women leaders, expand their access to capital, and drive national development through enhanced health systems, climate adaptation and economic opportunities.
Participants set out goals to improve maternal health and life expectancy, transform the healthcare system, and support Nigerians in making healthier lifestyle choices. The plan also highlights measures to strengthen community resilience, promote clean energy and grow women-led climate-smart businesses.
Key priorities include:
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Mobilizing funding for women’s innovation and social enterprises to accelerate development and build a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
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Expanding financing and technical expertise at state and local levels to create systems that can rapidly adapt health and climate planning.
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Increasing women’s share of leadership in the health sector to at least 35%, backed by clear policies and investment in community health workforces.
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Supporting the passage and implementation of a Reserved Seats Bill to guarantee dedicated seats for women in federal and state legislatures.
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Establishing modern community hubs to equip women with technology and tools to lead in climate and agricultural resilience.
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Elevating caregiving work by recognizing it as essential to the care economy and promoting accessible childcare infrastructure.
The plan is presented as a framework to guide future development policies, investments and systems that leaders say are needed for long-term progress in Nigeria. Women from climate agencies, health organisations, media and business supported the launch, including representatives from the National Council on Climate Change and The Guardian Woman.
Dr Tabinda Sarosh, President and CEO of Pathfinder, said the changing global development context offers an opportunity to shift decision-making power to local innovators. She highlighted the urgency of empowering women to shape solutions given Nigeria’s high rates of maternal mortality and its low readiness for climate impacts.
Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, said the plan aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities on women’s health, equity and leadership. She noted that the initiative could help spark collaboration and creativity in building systems that better serve communities.
The Nigeria launch follows the global presentation of the Women&Co platform at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. Since then, the platform has begun building women-led communities and guiding co-design efforts in several countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt.