MAKURDI – The Benue state ministry of women affairs, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Lawyers Alert among other organizations would be joining AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Nigeria, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital to celebrate women on the occasion of the 2025, International Women’s Day (IWD). AHF also advised leaders, policymakers, and communities to turn commitments they have made on women issues into action, adding that a just and equitable world is only possible when women and girls can claim their rights, power, and potential. AHF have the advise just as it declared that it would stand in solidarity with women and girls worldwide, to celebrate their achievements and to also champion actions that would break down barriers to health, equality, and opportunity. Other organisations that would be joining AHF, to commemorate the 2025 IWD is the Benue State Prevention of Mother to Child transmission of HIV/AIDS focal person, Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN), Benue state chapter, Ministry of Justice, as well as other AHF partners, advocates and CBOs. According to the statement issued by the organisation, this year (2025), it would also join the global movement to demand an end to the inequities that hold women and girls back as it commemorates the IWD on March 10, 2025, at the Foundation’s regional office in Makurdi, to remind everyone that when women and girls thrive, communities also thrive. The Foundation vowed that it would continue to prioritize women and girls by advocating for policies that protect and uplift them worldwide; from distributing free menstrual products and combating gender-based violence to expanding access to HIV/AIDS services, even as it observed that it was dedicated to ensuring that every woman lead a healthy, empowered life. Dr. Echey Ijezie, the AHF Nigeria Country Program Director (CPD), said, “At AHF Nigeria, our desire is that we continue to uplift, empower, and advocate for a world where every woman has the chance to live healthy and prosper. Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS is an important step to empower and uplift not just the women, but the family as a unit.” Loretta Wong, the AHF Deputy Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy, on her path explained that “Women and girls everywhere deserve the power, knowledge, and resources to take control of their health, future, and lives. “Real change requires more than words, it demands concrete commitments, including expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment, sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and economic empowerment. On this International Women’s Day, AHF reaffirms its promise to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind”, she said. The statement further read that “Despite decades of progress, women and girls remain disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where they account for more than 60% of new HIV infections. Globally, gender-based violence, lack of access to healthcare, reproductive rights restrictions, income inequality, and limited educational opportunities further entrench disparities. “Access to affordable menstrual health products and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education also remain out of reach for millions, compromising dignity, mobility, and opportunity. “For IWD 2025, AHF Nigeria will be hosting a forum that brings together women from Benue state government Mentor Mothers’ program and mentor mothers from across AHF facilities in the Makurdi axis, including young women and girls from AHF Nigeria community Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) cohorts and female members of the Community Advocacy Club from Adaka and Agwan Jukun, Makurdi, Benue state. “AHF Girls Act members from the communities and facility affiliated shall also be in attendance. “The forum will examine the impact and efforts of mentor mothers while looking at ways at which they can also entrench age-appropriate sexuality education in their various communities. The forum is also an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional champions at the forefront of eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. “This International Women’s Day, AHF urges leaders, policymakers, and communities to turn commitments into action—because a just and equitable world is only possible when women and girls everywhere can claim their full rights, power, and potential”, to he Foundation said.