UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Rihood
Mohammed Farah, made the urge, during the flag-off cemermey of 2023 World
Breastfeeding Week, held at E-Clinic, Dakata Road, Kano.
Farah laid emphasis on the need to give full support and
privileges to breastfeeding mothers.
He tasked the state government to prioritize the needs of
working parents through provision of lactation rooms/crèches in all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies, and implement breastfeeding breaks and flexible work
arrangements.
He maintained that government should reinforce messages on
good nutrition and health during the first 1,000 days of life through various
platforms, including media, public spaces, and workplaces.
UNICEF also adivised Kano state government to provide
adequate resources for prevention of malnutrition through promotion, protection
and support for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition.
According to Farah, “by taking these steps, workplaces can
set a positive example for others to follow, ultimately leading to healthier
and happier families.”
To working mothers and parents, Farah urged them to,
“advocate for your right to breastfeed while advancing your career. Seek
support from your employers and create a breastfeeding plan that suits your
needs.
“Prioritize self-care and explore strategies like expressing
milk to ensure your child receives the best nourishment possible, even while
you are at work.
“For mothers with access to digital platforms, join online
and offline networks to share experiences, gain knowledge, and receive
encouragement as breastfeeding working parents.”
Farah said the theme of the programme:”Enabling
Breastfeeding – Making a Difference for Working Parents,” was timely.
He further stated that: “This annual event serves as a
powerful platform to raise awareness and gather support for breastfeeding, with
each year centered around a specific theme.
“The theme, Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a Difference for
Working Parents, this year we’re focused on Breastfeeding and work.
“Breastfeeding is not only a natural act but also critical
for the health and wellbeing of children and mothers.
“As we gather to celebrate this week, it is very important
to reflect on the progress we have made so far and the strides that still lie
ahead in supporting working parents.
“Nigeria currently implements two maternity entitlement
provisions. The first, enshrined in the Nigerian Labour Act, which provides up
to 12 weeks of maternity leave with at least 50% of salary and breastfeeding
breaks during working hours.
“The second, adopted by the Federal Public Service and
pending ratification by states and local civil service, offers a 16-week
maternity leave with full pay and two hours off each day to breastfeed up to
six months after resuming duty.
“While some states have made commendable strides in offering
fully paid maternity leave, there is much room for improvement. We must foster
a workplace culture that recognizes the critical role of both parents in
raising a healthy and happy child.
“Presently, the formal sector employs approximately one
million women, while 95% of women work within the informal sector. Shockingly,
only 9% of organizations have a workplace breastfeeding policy, with only 1.5%
in the public sector.
“This has to change. We need to create an environment where
working parents are supported in their journey of nurturing their children
while also pursuing their careers.
“Reported employee benefits of having a workplace
breastfeeding policy include an easier transition back to work after maternity
leave, improved retention of female employees, and lower absenteeism rates due
to better maternal and child health.
” For employers, supporting working parents through
breastfeeding-friendly policies results in improved employer-employee
relations, increased loyalty, higher job productivity, and a positive impact on
gender equality and work-life balance.
“Finally, as breastfeeding is shared responsibility, I call
on everyone, traditional and religious, Community leaders, CSOs, media, and
everyone to support breastfeeding.
“Together, we can create a supportive environment that
enables breastfeeding, fosters work-life balance, and ensures the health and
happiness of our families.
Let us stand united in supporting working parents, one latch
at a time. Breastfeeding unites the workplace and home.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and impactful
World Breastfeeding Week.”
In his remarks, Kano state Commissioner for Health, Dr.
Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent
Secretary, Hajiya Amina Aliyu Musa,said, “the importance of breastfeesing
cannot be overemphasized. It is very important for our nursing mothers to
breastfeed our children.
“Kano state government is looking into the policy of
elongating maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers from three months to six
months. The state government has been doing a lot for prevention of
malnutrition of our children.
“Government is committed to the growth and welfare of our
children. This is evident in the re-opening of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric
hospital. Our Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf is very passionate about the
health and well-being of children and nursing mothers.”
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to development
partners, including UNICEF, Nutrition International (NI), Alive&Thtive, and
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