WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNICATING PRIMARY HEALTHCARE POLICY

Thesis Abstract

This study set out to explore Women‟s Participation in Commmunicating Primary HealthCare Policy in Zuru and Danko-Wasagu Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, with a view to assessing the extent of women‟s participation being that the extent of women‟s participation in Primary Health Care is however, unclear or seems to be lacking. The study is premised on its advocacy to engender policy makers see the necessity of involving women in active participation, communication and formulation of primary healthcare policy. The study employed the Participatory communication theory which advocates for peoples particpation in development interventions and as such giving voice to the voiceless. Methodology for data gathering included, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Indepth-Interview (IDI) and Documentary Observation (DO). Furthermore, a total of 138 women and men were sampled using Purposive Sampling Technique to include 100 members of FGD and 38 interviewees. The findings of this research according to the FGD and IDI revealed that women‟s participation in formulation and communication of primary healthcare policy in Kebbi state is still at its lowest ebb. This is a challenge that has development implications. The study also uncovered factors responsible for women‟s participation to include conservative adherence to customs and traditional beliefs, high rate of illiteracy, as well as communication barrier between women and health workers/experts. The study recommended that for sustainable women participation in Kebbi State, women should take active role and be involved in Primary Health Care Formulation and Communication. Appropriate communication strategies should be intensified as well as geninue women‟s participation should be encouraged by health policy makers.