ABSTRACT
This
study set out to explore Women‟s Participation in Commmunicating
Primary Health Care 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.