UBTH Hosts UNIBEN Centre for Gender Studies, Pledges Collaboration on Gender Issues

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has expressed interest in exploring areas of collaboration with the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Benin (UNIBEN), to promote gender-responsive healthcare, strengthen staff welfare and improve patient experiences.

The commitment was highlighted on Thursday, October 29, 2026, when the hospital received the Director and staff of the Centre for Gender Studies on a courtesy visit aimed at formally introducing the Centre and identifying areas of mutual interest in research, staff sensitisation and community engagement. The delegation was led by the Centre’s Director, Professor Jennifer Ebeigbe.

Welcoming the delegation, UBTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, acknowledged the importance of gender-responsive approaches in healthcare delivery. She emphasised the need to uphold patient dignity, promote staff welfare and equal opportunities, and maintain a safe and respectful environment within the hospital.

In her presentation, Professor Ebeigbe explained that the Centre for Gender Studies, established in 2004, was established to advance gender equality, equity, inclusion and social justice through research, education, advocacy and community engagement. She highlighted the Centre’s activities in gender-based violence prevention, sexual harassment awareness, capacity building and institutional partnerships.

Professor Ebeigbe proposed possible areas of collaboration with UBTH, including staff training and sensitisation, public education, joint research projects, community outreach and the promotion of gender-responsive healthcare practices. These initiatives, she noted, could help deepen awareness of gender-related issues and strengthen institutional responses to the needs of diverse groups.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore practical ways of developing joint programmes and research initiatives to improve healthcare experiences, enhance staff welfare and promote the well-being of patients and the wider community. The proposed partnership also offers a platform for combining academic expertise with clinical experience to address gender-related concerns in healthcare settings.

Also present during the visit were the Principal Assistant Registrar of the Centre for Gender Studies, Mrs. Dorothy James-Ekanem, Senior Assistant Registrar, Mrs. Ehisumwen Eriamiantoe and Senior Executive Officer, Mr. Moses Edheku.