By Milcah Tanimu

Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation has called for concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders to invest in initiatives that empower women and girls, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and lives, thereby achieving bodily autonomy and fulfilling their potential.

Under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Ipas Nigeria joined hands with other stakeholders on International Women’s Day to advocate for initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, equality, and overall progress.

Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 144 countries on the Gender Gap Index, indicating widespread gender inequality across various sectors such as access to health services, economic opportunities, legal rights enforcement, and societal norms. These disparities often hinder women and girls from making critical decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Lucky Palmer, the Country Director of Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, emphasized that women in vulnerable communities, including those with disabilities, face even greater challenges. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, limited access to contraception, and gender-based violence further exacerbate gender disparities, impeding women’s overall well-being and autonomy.

Recent research by Ipas Nigeria revealed alarming statistics, with 76 percent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, three out of 25 cases of rape resulted in unwanted pregnancies, highlighting the urgent need to address sexual violence and its consequences.

To achieve progress towards gender equality and empowerment, Ipas Nigeria stressed the importance of collaborative efforts across key ministries, including Health and Justice, as well as involvement from the private sector. These efforts should focus on implementing multisectoral approaches that address gaps in health and legal frameworks, ultimately empowering women and girls regardless of their social or economic background.

Palmer emphasized the urgency of addressing entrenched gender disparities, citing concerning statistics such as high rates of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths in Nigeria. He called on stakeholders to prioritize investments aimed at eliminating these disparities and empowering women and girls to make autonomous decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation remains committed to empowering women and girls, advocating for reproductive justice, and fostering collective action to transform societies and enable individuals to manage their fertility and achieve their full potential.