Abuja, 8^th March 2022

Every year, on the 8^th of March, people across the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. But beyond the celebration, we gather to advocate for women’s rights, lobby for accelerated gender parity, and also raise awareness on unanswered gender issues.

This day (and every day) we’re honored, as Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), to recognize the passion and reinforce the continued commitment of our board members, management team, staffs and volunteers, dedication to ensure the provision of a safe space for women at work, homes and everywhere in the society.

The central theme for this year celebration is, “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. We believe that by ensuring equal access and enabling environment for women and girls to thrive, we are securing better future prospects for our society.

The campaign hashtag for this year is #BreakTheBias. This is a call to action to shun aggressively all stereotypes that serves as hurdles to the advancement of women and girls in our society. From the laws that discriminates to the retrogressive norms that harms, we have to remain poised toward breaking the biases. We are also particularly excited about this because the campaign theme aligns with our vision, “a society where all individuals freely (devoid of bias) exercise their right to and choice of quality health services”.  Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women and girls to access health services especially reproductive health.

Knowing that bias exists is not enough; action is needed to level the playing field. At PPFN, we are committed to promoting gender equality in our workplace and in the work we do. We will continue to empower women and girls to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights by extending access to life-saving services and information. As an organization, we will continue to foster women’s leadership through the allocation of at least 50+1% seat to women in our board composition. This will unlock women’s potential and increase their control over resources and access to opportunities. We will continue to lead and support advocacy for an enabling policy environment and ensuring women’s active engagement in advocacy and community engagement.

As we celebrate the 2022 International Women’s Day, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) is calling on all stakeholders to rededicate and reposition themselves to improving the quality of life for our women and girls. Let us reinforce and support the government of Nigeria towards the attainment of the family planning 2030 (FP2030) re-commitment. On our part, we will continually support Nigeria’s women in their quest to realize their full potential. We are deeply committed to supporting any initiative aimed at addressing various challenges and barriers they face in their day-to-day engagement and interaction with the society. PPFN will continue to engage in initiatives that are geared towards the advancement of women, and promote the celebration of women’s achievement. PPFN call on all to raise awareness against bias. Let us take action to break the bias by standing for women today (and everyday) by promoting their rights, speaking up for them and encouraging them to raise their own voices.

“Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women’s equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias”. (IWD Website)

Media Contacts: -Zainab Mukhtar – Communications and Marketing Officer, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) – email: zmukhtar@ppfn.org  -Phone +234 814 156 9826

Tiamiyu Sunmonu, Manager Advocacy Business Development and External Relations (ABDER), PPFN, – email: tsunmonu@ppfn.org  – Phone: +234 812 912 9676

ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF NIGERIA (PPFN)

Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) is the leading provider of SRHR information and services in the country providing a huge portion of the services received nationwide, as well as leading the country’s advocacy efforts to ensure that SRHR of all Nigerians are upheld. As an integral part of its work, PPFN works with and for Women, Young People, People with Disabilities and Vulnerable groups in its Programme design, implementation as well as Monitoring and Evaluation. Its work extends to HIV and AIDS, Fertility, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), antenatal and post-natal care, post-abortion care, Nutrition among others. As a leading provider of SRHR services, the organization provides about 30 million SRHR services annually at over 245 service delivery points (45 owned and 200 associate clinics) in 33 states and Federal Capital Territory.

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