UN Women Urges Govt, Philanthropists, Celebrities to Empower Women Living with HIV/AIDS

The United Nations  (UN) Women  has called on State Governments, private organizations, Philanthropists, Celebrities, and compassionate Nigerians to empower women living with HIV/AIDS.

The appeal was made during a two-day advocacy training session for the Association of Women Living with HIV in Nigeria (ASWHAN), which convened participants from 18 Southern States.

Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, the acting Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Nigeria, highlighted the numerous challenges  confronting women living with HIV in the country, such as stigma, discrimination, unemployment, and systemic exclusion.

Mrs Ekeoba who spoke on behalf of behalf of the UN Women Nigeria Representative and ECOWAS Ambassador, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, expressed concern about the funding shortfalls impacting  HIV/AIDS response and encouraged participants to tailor their advocacy efforts to address the real, context-specific challenges they and their families face.

She added that   the training will enable participants to use the “Community-Led Advocacy Toolkit” developed by UN Women as a guide to advocate for the betterment of their lives.

She said “Many women and girls living with HIV remain unemployed or underemployed, economically disempowered, and without health insurance coverage.

“We believe no woman should be left behind. That is why UN Women continues to support women living with HIV and other vulnerable groups who face multiple layers of discrimination, from healthcare exclusion to lack of social protection and economic empowerment.

“ We are hoping that the little we have done can serve as a model to other people who want to support this group.

“In the face of global funding cuts, Our hope is that the State government , private sector organizations, well meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, celebrities that can say I am sponsorship this group.”

In a goodwill message, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Okpohworho, Director of Women Development and Gender Affairs in Delta State, expressed solidarity with ASWHAN.

She described the gathering as a reaffirmation of shared values, including compassion, resilience, and justice.

Dr. Okpohworho highlighted the vital role of social and health workers in bridging the gap between policy and vulnerable populations.

Also, the focal person of the event, Mr Mary Martins,  emphasized the importance of education and accurate information in breaking down misconceptions about HIV.

He cited statistics showing that approximately 1.9 million women are currently living with HIV in Nigeria.

Other speakers at the event included Mrs. Grace Ifo, the Delta State Director of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA), who lauded UN Women and other development partners for their consistent support.

Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, also pledged to protect and meet the rights and needs of ASWHAN.

The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize tackling self-stigmatization among women living with HIV and to seek support beyond government agencies.