HIV: NACA empowers 110 vulnerable women in Benue conflicts areas

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has empowered 110 indigent women and girls vulnerable to HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) in areas affected by conflict in Benue State. A statement from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS […]

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has empowered 110 indigent women and girls vulnerable to HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) in areas affected by conflict in Benue State.

A statement from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)  said the women and girls were empowered with support from UN Women, under the ‘Economic Empowerment as a Catalyst for Reduction of HIV/GBV in Conflict Affected Areas in Nigeria’ project.

The project is aimed at addressing loss of livelihoods and preventing the vulnerability of women and girls in the target states, the statement said.

Assistant Director, Gender, Human Rights and Care Support Services of  NACA Dr. Yinka Falola-Anoemuah, said the women empowered comprise 70 internally displaced women,  30 women and girls Living with HIV/AIDS, and 10  others facing gender based violence  in the state.

She said they were trained  in confectionary making, beautification, braiding, bead making, and makeup artistry. Others include  Gele tying, tie and dye, and making of body essentials  such as soap, disinfectant, shampoo, perfume, body cream and hair cream.

The project had earlier empowered 100 women living with and vulnerable to HIV & AIDS in  conflict affected areas of  Kaduna and Nasarawa States.