The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) was established in 2005 following years of advocacy by women living with HIV who demanded greater inclusion in decision-making processes.
The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) is the national coordinating body of over 850 support groups of women living with HIV/AIDS across Nigeria. ASWHAN was established to ensure that the voices, needs, and rights of women living with HIV are heard and properly addressed.
The origin of ASWHAN dates back to 2002, when women within the National Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS began advocating for greater involvement in decision-making. They felt that the specific challenges faced by HIV-positive women were being ignored and that women were excluded from important discussions.
In May 2004, during the National HIV Conference, women delegates used peaceful disruption as an advocacy strategy to demand attention to women’s issues. This activism led to a national meeting of women in February 2005, where ASWHAN was formally formed and inaugurated, with funding and technical support from Christian Aid (UK).
Since its establishment, ASWHAN has worked with a strong gender and human rights perspective, recognizing that women’s empowerment and the protection of women’s rights are essential for sustainable development.
To promote gender equity and access to comprehensive care and support by actively involving women living with HIV and their children in decision-making, advocacy, and programme implementation.
A society where HIV-positive women and children are empowered to live healthy, fulfilled, and dignified lives.
Commitment
Integrity
Respect
Prompt Response
Transparency
Accountability
Resilience
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