AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION: ROLES IN ELIMINATING HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PARACTICES AND EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS

 

AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION: ROLES IN ELIMINATING HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PARACTICES AND EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS

 

AHOA’s Roles in harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) of girls and women, empowerment of women and girls, promotion of the rights and welfare of women and girls, and migration, human trafficking

 

I. Introduction

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a Nigeria-based, Africa-wide civil society organization dedicated to promoting health, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, and human security. Since inception, AHOA has been a consistent voice for the empowerment of women and girls, challenging harmful cultural practices, and strengthening systems that protect human dignity. Through advocacy, research, partnerships, and community mobilization, AHOA has shaped policies, influenced governments, and empowered communities across Africa and the Global South.

 

II. Leadership Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

One of AHOA’s flagship areas of intervention is the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice with devastating health and human rights consequences for millions of girls and women.

a. Knowledge Production and Advocacy Tools: AHOA published “Female Genital Mutilation: 40 Dangerous Effects”, a pioneering resource that documents the health, psychological, and social dangers of FGM. This publication has been widely disseminated to community leaders, policymakers, educators, and practitioners, serving as an advocacy and training tool at local, national, and international levels.

b. Community Engagement: AHOA mobilizes traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women’s groups to challenge cultural norms sustaining FGM. By promoting dialogue and sensitization, the Association has nurtured local champions committed to abandonment of the practice.

c. Policy Advocacy: AHOA’s advocacy contributed to Nigeria’s stronger enforcement of laws prohibiting FGM and alignment with international obligations to eliminate gender-based violence.

 

III. Advocacy with the Government of Nigeria – Every Woman Treaty

A landmark achievement of AHOA’s advocacy was its successful campaign urging the Government of Nigeria, under President Muhammadu Buhari, to support the Every Woman Treaty. This global initiative seeks to establish a binding international treaty to end violence against women and girls worldwide. AHOA is also a signatory and contributor to ‘Safer Now’, a publication on women’s challenges in development and society.

 

AHOA played a convening role for civil society, building momentum through policy dialogues, community advocacy, and media campaigns. By presenting evidence on the costs of violence against women and amplifying the voices of grassroots women, AHOA helped Nigeria become one of the countries endorsing the Treaty process. This achievement underscores AHOA’s effectiveness in linking local realities with global advocacy platforms.

 

IV. Civil Society Leadership – Global Women Network Africa Conference (2013)

In 2013, AHOA provided civil society leadership at the Global Women Network Africa Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference brought together policymakers, activists, development partners, and grassroots women leaders to deliberate on strategies for advancing gender justice in Africa.

 

AHOA coordinated civil society participation, ensuring that grassroots voices were amplified in the dialogue. The Association presented evidence from its work on FGM, gender-based violence, and community empowerment, positioning itself as a trusted convener of multi-stakeholder engagement. Outcomes of the conference included strengthened networks of African women’s organizations and commitments to address harmful traditional practices and gender inequality.

 

V. Women’s Empowerment, Rights, and Welfare

Beyond advocacy, AHOA is committed to the empowerment of women and girls as a development priority. Its programs focus on:

a. Education and Skills Training: Providing literacy, vocational skills, and digital training for women and girls, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

b. Leadership Development: Supporting women and girls to participate in governance and decision-making processes at community, national, and international levels.

c. Rights-Based Approaches: Advocating for implementation of global and regional frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

d. Health and Social Protection: Ensuring women and girls have access to healthcare, reproductive health services, and systems that protect them from violence and exploitation.

 

VI. Migration, Human Trafficking, and Human Security

Recognizing the vulnerabilities that women and girls face in contexts of migration and human trafficking, AHOA integrates human security into its advocacy and programs.

Prevention and Awareness: Conducting grassroots campaigns on the risks of irregular migration and the tactics used by traffickers to lure victims.

Support for Survivors: Partnering with government and civil society networks to provide psychosocial support, reintegration, and livelihood opportunities for survivors.

Policy Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to strengthen anti-trafficking laws, border management, and protection systems for migrants, especially women and children.

Addressing Root Causes: Tackling poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality that push women and girls into vulnerability.

 

VII. Conclusion

Through sustained advocacy and action, Afrihealth Optonet Association has demonstrated leadership in protecting and empowering women, girls and vulnerable groups.