As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD 2023), we take this moment to recognize the achievements of women and reaffirm our commitment to supporting gender equality and promoting a more equitable world for all.

The theme for this year’s IWD is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, and it perfectly aligns with HALG’s core value of Innovation to create an inclusive society. By ensuring that all persons have equal and equitable access to comprehensive healthcare and socio-economic justice in a rights-based environment, we can create a world where everyone can have equal opportunity to thrive.

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to society across various fields, including security, science, politics, arts, and education. From Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to Margaret Ekpo and Ladi Dosei Kwali, Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi, General Aderonke Kale, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and our own Prof. Morenike Ukpong. And Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh of blessed memory, women have demonstrated that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Let us today celebrate their achievements and draw inspiration from their success in pursuing our own goals and dreams.

We not only mobilize awareness and interest among diverse stakeholders to combat violence based on gender, but we also provide response and care to victims of violence and sexual assault survivors.

Thanks to the unwavering commitment of every HALG staff and partner, we have made significant strides in pursuing the cause of vulnerable women in the communities we serve. We have prioritized gender equality and inclusion in all that we do, expanding support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through the commissioning of our One Stop Shops as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) to provide critical services to those in need.

As we commemorate this day, let us remember that International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women but also a day to acknowledge the challenges that still exist and work together towards a more equitable future for all. We thank our staff and partners for their unwavering commitment to this cause, and we remain resolute in our pursuit of gender equality and socio-economic justice for all.

Happy Celebration! – OBB