The Federal Government has solicited the support of the diplomatic community ahead of a meeting of the second Global Power Women Network Africa holding on May 23 and May 24 in Abuja.
Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the Minister of State I for Foreign Affairs, made the call at a sensitisation meeting with members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja on Tuesday.
Onwuliri recalled the achievements of the first meeting held in Zimbabwe in 2012 and added that collaborative efforts of all stakeholders would build on the successes of the first meeting.
“In Harare, Zimbabwe, the first high-level meeting of the network was hosted in collaboration with the AU and UN Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS).
“The meeting focused on zero tolerance to new cases of HIV infections, maternal and child mortality, violence against women and girls, and hunger and poverty.
“It is on this note we deemed it necessary to sensitise the diplomatic community on this important event designed to take the discussions and declarations on women empowerment to a significant level of implementation.
“You will therefore be expected to carry the message to your countries to ensure a high level of participation.
“We have also called you to solicit your collaboration; a meeting of this magnitude and international standard shall require all hands on deck in all ramifications,” she said.
She said the second meeting would review the level of implementation of the international declarations on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and the rights of women and girls.
Present at the sensitisation meeting were representatives of the UN, ECOWAS, Ministry of Health, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, members of the National Assembly and those of the diplomatic corps.
Participants at the sensitisation meeting pledged their support to ensure a successful meeting.
Global Power Women Network Africa is a partnership of women in elected and appointed positions of decision making in Africa, initiated by UNAIDS and established in 2010.
The network is aimed at promoting discussions on issues related to HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights of women.
“Accelerating the implementation of the global agenda for women and girls in Africa” is the theme the meeting, expected to be held on May 23 and May 24 in Abuja.