By Milcah Tanimu

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has unveiled the Federal Government’s plan to provide monthly health insurance of N200 for 37,000 women across Nigeria. This initiative aims to improve women’s access to healthcare services and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the health insurance scheme, amounting to N2,400 annually, will be implemented in collaboration with a microfinance bank, PLUG.

In addition to the health insurance scheme, the government is implementing various women empowerment programs to enhance economic opportunities. One such program involves the distribution of 37,000 point of sale (POS) machines to facilitate financial transactions and uplift the economic status of women. Each woman receiving a POS machine will be entitled to almost free health insurance, paying only N200 per month.

Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the importance of engaging with stakeholders such as traditional and community leaders, legislators, governors, state ministries for women affairs, and market leaders to ensure effective resource distribution, particularly in rural areas.

Furthermore, the ministry plans to distribute 300 laptops to women and People with Disabilities (PWDs) as part of job creation initiatives and efforts to boost women entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries will receive training in Information Technology (IT) and access online job opportunities to generate income.

The minister also introduced the Pink Riders Initiative, which will initially operate in army barracks to ensure the safety of women operators before expanding nationwide. This initiative aims to empower women by providing them with tricycles to support their livelihoods, ultimately fostering financial independence.

Additionally, the Ministry of Women Affairs is collaborating with the army on agricultural programs to enhance food security and production at subsidized rates.

Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, including the enforcement of mobile courts for swift prosecution of offenders and ensuring justice for survivors.