Abuja, 10 March, 2024 - In a vibrant celebration of women's achievements and progress towards gender empowerment, equality and a healthier population, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nigeria marked 2024 International Women's Day with a series of commemorative events alongside women across the nation.

“The theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" resonated deeply with the WHO Nigeria's commitment to advocating for women's health, rights, and empowerment”, said the WHO Country Representative Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo.

Dr Mulombo emphasized the significance of commemorating International Women's Day in the context of ongoing WHO’s efforts to promote gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment and securing their rights to healthier lives.

"Women play a crucial role in healthcare and public health, as well as building resilient and equitable societies. We are proud to stand in solidarity with women across Nigeria and the world in recognizing the invaluable contributions of women to health and well-being. This International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and recommit ourselves to addressing the existing gender disparities in healthcare.  

On this IWD, I am glad to celebrate our bright, energetic, innovative and inspiring women colleagues in the Country Office and in the field, we have witnessed value in investing in you to accelerate progress”, he remarked. 

The WHO office in Nigeria organized a diverse range of activities to honour women's contributions to global development and address the challenges they face in various spheres of life. From interactive panel discussions to community outreach initiatives, the events aimed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action towards investing in women to accelerate progress in the communities.

One of the highlights of the day was a webinar discussion featuring women in WHO, and how they balance their daily lives. Participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations, sharing personal experiences and advocating for concrete steps to address systemic inequalities.

In addition to the panel discussion, WHO Nigeria in collaboration with some state governments and partners organized health outreach programs in underserved communities, focusing on providing essential healthcare services to women and girls. These initiatives included free medical screenings, distribution of reproductive health resources, and educational workshops on maternal and child health.

Reflecting on the day's events, participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to come together, celebrate progress, and renew their commitment to advancing women's rights.  

The President of the WHO Staff Association, in her remark, said "This year's IWD is a reminder of the unique contributions and values women bring to the society. At every corner of the world is a woman who is constantly working hard to make an impact in the world. The successes and excellent achievements of African women are because women have chosen not to be limited by their struggles and bruises. This year's IWD theme is a call to invest in women. An investment in women is an investment in all of society. I especially applaud the contributions of women in WHO Nigeria for their doggedness and resilience in the face of constantly changing needs".

During the commemorative health awareness talk and free medical screening events organized by the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with WHO to mark the day, the WHO State Co-ordinator Dr. Dele David Sunday noted that the theme ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate progress. He stressed the need to empower women, thereby improving access and utilization of health care services.