In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation) joins the global movement to champion women’s rights, equality, and empowerment. With the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” this year’s event focuses on the urgent need to create an inclusive world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination, empowered to make their own choices, and equipped with the resources needed to fulfill their potential. Women are the cornerstone of society, making invaluable contributions to families, communities, economies, and nations worldwide. Their impact spans multiple sectors, including science, technology, business, politics, education, healthcare, and the arts. From the trailblazing women of history who paved the way for future generations to today’s innovators and leaders who continue to break barriers, women have been instrumental in shaping our world.
However, despite these undeniable contributions, millions of women and girls still face ongoing challenges that prevent them from fully participating in society. Barriers such as gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, workplace discrimination, and economic inequality persist, making the fight for gender equality more crucial than ever. Among the most marginalized are women with disabilities, who face compounded discrimination that limits their access to economic opportunities, healthcare services particularly sexual and reproductive health services, political participation, and social integration. The lack of targeted policies and inclusive programs further exacerbates their exclusion, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, inadequate healthcare, and restricted civic engagement. Addressing these barriers is essential to achieving true gender equality and ensuring that no woman is left behind.
PLAN Foundation’s Commitment
At PLAN Foundation, we recognize these challenges and remain committed to fostering a world where women’s rights are upheld, their voices are heard, and their potential is fully realized. For over two decades, our organization has been at the forefront of health and development initiatives, advocating for the needs of young people, persons with disabilities, and, most importantly, women, who remain central to our mission.
Our vision is simple yet powerful: to create a world where every woman, man, and child is empowered to take control of their lives and pursue happiness, which is their basic and inalienable right. We align our efforts with this vision by championing gender equity and advocating for women to have access to:
Quality Healthcare
Ensuring that women and girls receive essential healthcare services, including maternal care, reproductive health education, and mental health support. Protection from Gender-Based Violence: Raising awareness about domestic violence, sexual harassment, and harmful practices while advocating for stronger laws and community-based support systems.
Economic Opportunities
Providing women with vocational training, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurial support to help them gain financial independence.
Education and Leadership Development
Equipping women and girls with the skills and knowledge needed to become leaders, policy influences, and change-makers in their communities.
Empowering Women Through Action
International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration; it is a call to action. We urge individuals, organizations, and institutions to take meaningful steps in empowering women and girls through various programs, such as:
Health and Well-being Initiatives
Women’s health is a fundamental human right. Ensuring access to quality healthcare services, reproductive health education, and mental health support is crucial for their overall well-being. By investing in women’s health, we build stronger families and healthier societies.
Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaigns
Gender-based violence remains a global crisis. Advocating for stronger policies, legal protections, and survivor-centered community interventions can help combat violence against women and ensure that they live in safe and supportive environments.
Economic Empowerment Workshops
Financial independence is key to gender equality. By providing women with skills training, business development support, and financial literacy education, we enable them to build sustainable careers and contribute to economic growth.
Leadership and Advocacy Training
When women lead, communities thrive. Encouraging and equipping women with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to take on leadership roles ensures that their voices are included in decision-making processes at all levels.
A Call for Collective Action
While progress has been made toward gender equality, significant work remains. True empowerment requires collective effort. Governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals must take an active role in dismantling the barriers that hinder women’s advancement. This includes:
Implementing Inclusive Policies
Ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and leadership.
Challenging Harmful Norms
Addressing cultural and societal norms that limit women’s potential.
Investing in Women-led Initiatives
Supporting programs and businesses that are run by and for women.
Encouraging Representation
Advocating for increased female representation in leadership positions across all sectors.
Join the Movement
On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a future where all women and girls, regardless of background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, can live with dignity, pursue their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to society. We invite everyone to be part of this movement. Whether by supporting policies that promote gender equality, investing in women-led initiatives, mentoring young girls, or simply uplifting and encouraging the women around us, every action counts. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a world where rights, equality, and empowerment are not just words but lived realities for ALL women and girls.
PLAN Foundation is a member of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the World Patients Alliance (WPA), the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the Stop TB Partnership, the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD), the Global Health Council (GHC), as well as various other relevant regional and global networks, movements, and professional associations aligned with its vision of a Nigeria where the individual, family, and community are adequately empowered to protect themselves against poverty, underdevelopment, and the spread of diseases.
For more details on PLAN Foundation, engage us on our social media accounts on
X (Twitter): @NG_PLAN
Instagram: @PLANFoundationNGO
Facebook: @PLANFoundationng
Ifedayo Osemwegie,
Advocacy, Strategic Communication and Media Officer,
PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation)
+2348038320421
ifedayo@planfoundation.org.ng
