Michael Olugbode in AbujaWomen leaders from 16 communities in Kundu Ward of Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have launched a community-driven campaign aimed at ending open defecation and improving hygiene practices across the ward. Speaking during the training of women sanitation champions in Kwali, RCDI Programme Officer, Mary-Jane Adaku Ukaegbu, said the project was designed to place women at the forefront of efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Kundu Ward. She explained that the women would serve as sanitation champions, encouraging residents to consistently use toilets, wash their hands at critical times, maintain clean surroundings and eliminate open defecation. The programme also incorporates menstrual hygiene education and support for women and adolescent girls. She noted that Kwali Area Council had continued to implement sensitisation programmes to encourage toilet construction and usage, adding that the women-led intervention would complement existing government efforts and accelerate progress towards ODF status.