Prospects and Problems of Women Sanitarians Justifing Their Inclusion in the Environmental Health Profession: The Nigerian Situation

Abstract

THE HISTORY of the Nigerian political arena, has vindicated the great political impact made by Nigerian women. This Nigerian 'Women Impact Continuum' did not terminate with the achievement of political independence 30 years ago. The inclusion of Nigerian women in what was hitherto men's special profession has already begun to yield tremendous fruitful socio-economic development dividends. Con temporary Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of a spectrum of women achievers who have excelled in their various professions. Women in the Environmental Health Profession may not be an exception.

The paper opines that if the current 'women impact continuum' permeates the Environmental Health Pro fession female sanitarians could justify their inclusion in the Profession, if: (i) there is strength in their number; (ii) the Federal Government grants the Environmental Health Profession a statutory Regula tory Board; (iii) Women Sanitarians are given oppor tunities for in-service training; and (iv) the women's wing of the Association is recognized and integrated into the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS) of Nigeria and shown a sense of belonging by the Better Life Programme for Rural Women (BELPRW).