By Justina Auta
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, has called for urgent action to end all forms of stigma, discrimination and stereotypes against women that has hindered their progress.
Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria made the call in a statement, in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), with a theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
Aborisade, noted the challenges women faced in accessing healthcare and others, stressing the need for more investment to accelerate their progress and improving their health status.
He revealed that the organisation would engage with women across their 154 facilities in Abuja FCT, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Nasarawa states.
According to him, the women would be sensitised on the need to prioritise their health and overcoming barriers to help them thrive and be given free sanitary pad as part of activities to mark the IWD.
Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director in her remarks said: “the need for more inclusive and equitable world for women and young girls cannot be over emphasised.
“Particularly the need to shed the suffocating stereotypes, stigmas, and discrimination that keep women and girls worldwide from realizing their true potential and succeeding.
“It is thus important to ensure that women have all they need to succeed, including equal access to health care, education, and employment.”
International Women’s Day was founded in 1911 and is being observed annually on March 8.
The day recognises the political, cultural, and economic achievements of women to accelerate their rights. (NAN)