As part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), is set to honour women and girls with an exhibition, while calling on leaders to ensure a more equitable world.
A statement signed on Friday by its Advocacy & Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, said AHF working with this year’s IWD theme: #BalanceForBetter! Intends to “Keep the Promise to Women.”
Aborisade, explained that the organisation would host an exhibition to honour the courage of everyday ordinary women who through their skills and crafts, keep their families out of poverty.
He said the exhibition which will hold on March 14, 2019 in Abuja would involve select women from across the suburbs who would displaying their wares and showcasing exceptional courage.
Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF-Nigeria Country Program Director, said: ‘‘Women, who account for almost half of Nigeria’s estimated population of about 200 million, are generally lagging behind in all aspects of life and, for them, #BalanceForBetter! would be a promise worth keeping.
“In Nigeria, as in many other countries of the world, there is a strong social, religious, economic and political bias that subjugates women. Gender inequality has thus elevated a culture of male supremacy which drives violence that women and girls have to cope with.
“In commemorating the 2019 IWD, AHF Nigeria is honouring the exceptional courage and resilience of the Nigerian woman who despite all odds, continue to make a mark, breaking the yoke of economic dependency through entrepreneurship.”
AHF Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Policy, Loretta Wong said: “The world is at a critical point in its battle with HIV/AIDS, and regrettably, women take the brunt of the epidemic, particularly in developing countries.
“There are almost 19 million women and girls living with HIV worldwide, with 870,000 becoming newly infected every year. Government and community leaders can keep the promise to women by guaranteeing they have equal and unfettered access to the healthcare services they need.”
International women’s Day is recognized annually on March 8, as an advocacy that strives to unite governments, organizations and businesses to foster change for gender equality.
