BACKGROUND:
In Kano State, gender disparity in the PPMV sector is pronounced, with one female PPMV to sixteen males, and 23 LGAs having no female PPMVs at all. This gap limits access to female-led family planning services, particularly in conservative communities where women prefer same-gender providers. Despite efforts to empower women, few successfully establish or sustain PPMV businesses due to structural and socio-economic barriers. This study examines these challenges and how they differ from those faced by male PPMVs.

METHODS:
A qualitative study was conducted across six LGAs in Kano State in February 2025, involving six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 48 female PPMVs. The study examined financial, societal, regulatory, and economic challenges that hinder women's ability to successfully operate PPMV businesses and provide FP services. The discussions were transcribed and thematically analyzed to identify key barriers influencing women's participation in FP service delivery.

RESULTS:
Findings indicate that financial exclusion is a major barrier for female PPMVs, who face stricter loan conditions, lack of collateral, high interest rates, and lender scepticism compared to men. Societal norms further discourage women from providing FP services, exposing them to stigma, family opposition, and community scrutiny. Many reported debt accumulations from unpaid credit sales, while regulatory hurdles, high commodity costs, limited financial literacy, and domestic responsibilities constrained business sustainability. Despite these challenges, female PPMVs remained motivated and resilient, leveraging community trust and self-help financial groups to continue service delivery.

CONCLUSIONS:
Targeted financial inclusion, gender-responsive policies, business training, improved access to microcredit, and supportive regulatory frameworks are critical to strengthening female PPMVs’ role in FP service provision, enhancing women’s economic empowerment, and reducing unmet contraceptive needs in Northern Nigeria.