Asaba: UN Women has restated its commitment to supporting the Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN) in accessing care and other services to ensure their well-being. The group also pledged to support members of ASWHAN in participating in governance processes, not just within the HIV response but in the community generally.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, the Acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Nigeria, emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic funding from government institutions, the organized private sector, foundations, and charity organizations to support the cause of women living with HIV. Ekeoba made these remarks at a two-day advocacy training for ASWHAN held in Asaba.
UN Women will continue to support ASWHAN’s efforts in convening various government bodies, development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to prioritize support for the association. Ekeoba highlighted the challenges faced by women living with HIV in Nigeria, such as stigma, discrimination, and inadequate access to healthcare and social protection services.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out effective advocacy for women living with HIV. Representatives from 18 states in Southern Nigeria attended the training organized by UN Women. The country representative stated that the training sought to enhance participants’ advocacy skills and push for improved services for women living with HIV.
Ekeoba explained that the training included understanding advocacy steps and strategies elaborated in the Community-Led Advocacy Toolkit developed by UN Women. This toolkit provides a practical framework for engaging in effective, grassroots-level advocacy. Participants are expected to develop state-specific advocacy action plans with clearly identified targets, timelines, and expected outcomes.
UN Women is committed to supporting ASWHAN in promoting the rights and empowerment of women living with HIV. The advocacy training is part of a larger effort to support these women, including the development of the Community-Led Advocacy Toolkit. Ekeoba urged participants to utilize the knowledge and skills gained from the training to advocate for services that would improve the lives and livelihoods of women living with HIV and their families.
Princess Pat Ajudua, the Delta Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, noted that advocacy is not just an option but a necessity. Represented by Dr. Faith Okpohworho, Director of Women Development and Gender Affairs, Ajudua emphasized the critical role of social and health workers in bridging the gap between policy and the people.
Resource Person Martin Falana engaged participants on various topics, including the introduction to advocacy, the role of ASHWAN, identifying issues for advocacy, and developing an advocacy plan. Participants commended UN Women for the initiative, with Mrs. Dorcas Owhojero, Communication Officer for ASHWAN Delta, expressing that the training helped build more confidence in them.
NAN also reported that the highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Delta State Advocacy Committee.
