REPOSTED FROM: The Nigeria-AIDS eForum, http://www.nigeria-aids.org

Dear Colleagues,

Women Empowerment and Reproductive Rights Centre (WERRC), a
non-governmental, non-profit organization is currently anchoring the
implementation of the Nigerian Chapter of the International Women's
Access to Health Campaign (WAHC) in solidarity with members and partners
of the Women s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). This
campaign was flagged off on the 28th of May 2003 being the International
Day of Action for Women's Health.

On the 4th of June, 2003, WERRC organized a symposium at the Conference
Hall of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos to
mark the Day of Action. The hallmark of this symposium was the
inauguration of a Nigerian Chapter of the Women's Access to Health
Campaign (WAHC). In a communique issued by participants at the end of the
symposium, the need to form a civil society coalition to implement WAHC
in Nigeria was highlighted. As at the time of writing, this coalition
already has 13 organisational members and 3 individual members.

This is an open invitation to civil society organizations committed to
the transformation of the lot of women in Nigeria in terms of access to
healthcare and the realization of women s human rights in general to be
a part of this coalition. Membership is open to organizations in and
outside Nigeria to enhance cross-fertilization. The primary focus
however will be to device ways of ensuring that women s rights to the
highest attainable standard of health are not compromised within the
Nigerian state. Essentially, it will entail massive advocacy to ensure
that the Nigerian government takes responsibility for women's health.

Interested organizations are requested to send in Letters of Intent
preferably by e-mail to: [email protected]
or to:

The Executive Director,
Women Empowerment and Reproductive Rights Centre (WERRC)
2nd Floor, Oshopey Plaza, By Fortune Bank Entrance
17/19, Allen Avenue,Ikeja, Lagos. Nigeria

A Strategic Planning Meeting will be convened shortly to develop a
feasible work plan to implement WAHC. We look forward to a fruitful
working relationship with you. You may call 234-802-319-4776 for
further enquiries.

Best wishes,

Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor
Executive Director, WERRC
Email: [email protected]