By Muhammad Jalal
The need for women to embrace family planning, empowerment and improve their health outcome as well as strive to reduce their poverty level has been stressed.
This statement was made during the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Women -Preconference for 2024 in Abuja with the theme: Harnessing the Voice of Women for Renewed Sector – Wide a
Approach (SWAp) for Nigeria family Planning in Nigeria
The Chair Local Organizing Committee for the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference under the Association for Advancement of Family Planning , Dr. Ejike OJi said that access to family Planning was essential it was a fundamental human rights for women and improved health outcome and reducing poverty.
He said that the Conference would be promoting family planning and address challenges and leverage opportunities, adding that Convening key stakeholders was for the progress of Nigeria family planning commitment and identify gaps.
He said that the Conference would serve as a pivotal platform to reinforce Nigeria’s dedication to family planning as an integral part of health sector priorities.”
In her welcome remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs , who was represented by Oversea Director, Community and Social Intervention , Mrs Christian Oliko said that family planning advanced the right of all women whether they wanted to have children, the number they want and when.
“She said that this would help girls education as millions of girls around the world including Nigeria drop out of school on early year basis due to either unintended pregnancy or to care for young siblings.”
She noted that Federal Ministry of Women Affairs was committed to promoting active participation, empowering and protection of women, and children and other vulnerable group across Nigeria.
According to her, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with partners and stakeholders on maternal and reproductive health issues were implementing policies guidelines and laudable initiatives aimed at at upholding rights of women.
In her goodwill message, the Acting President , National Council of Women Societies ( NCWS) explained family planning was not just a matter of personal choice but a fundamental human rights, stressing that it was essential for empowering women and promoting gender equality.
“She said that every woman derseved freedom to make informed choice about her body , her health and future.”
She commended the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) for its commitment, resilience and passion for creating a world where women could thrive.
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