Hivos and EVA Teams Assess the Progress and Sustainability of the WeLead Project at GWIHR

The Hivos and Education as a Vaccine (EVA) teams recently visited the Greater Women Initiative for Health and Rights (GWIHR) to assess the progress of the We Lead Project, an initiative aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) access for marginalized young women and girls, including those living with HIV. The visit served as an opportunity to review achievements, identify challenges, and explore strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project in Rivers State, Nigeria.

During the monitoring visit, the teams evaluated the implementation of SRHR services, assessed the impact on rightsholders, and discussed potential areas for improvement. They also examined GWIHR’s sustainability plan, which is designed to maintain access to quality SRHR services beyond the project’s funding period. This engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in sustaining the initiative’s impact.

The visiting teams highly commended GWIHR for its commitment to advancing the SRHR of marginalized groups. The organization has made significant progress in expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, as well as family planning, sexual health education, and psychosocial support. Additionally, the initiative has empowered young women and girls living with HIV to become advocates for their health rights, ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions and service delivery improvements. Through advocacy programs, sensitization campaigns, and peer education, GWIHR has successfully raised awareness, helping to reduce stigma and discrimination faced by rightsholders.

One of the key highlights of the visit was GWIHR’s strategic approach to sustainability. The organization has developed a plan to ensure that access to SRHR services continues even after the donor-funded phase ends. By fostering partnerships with government agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations, GWIHR is working to integrate SRHR services into broader health systems and policies.

Despite these successes, some challenges were identified during the visit. Limited resources and funding constraints pose a significant threat to the expansion and sustainability of SRHR services. Stigma and discrimination remain persistent barriers, preventing many young women and girls from accessing healthcare services without fear of judgment. There is also a need to further sensitize healthcare providers on non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive approaches to service delivery. Additionally, outreach efforts must be strengthened to ensure that underserved and hard-to-reach communities have equitable access to SRHR services.

To address these challenges, the teams discussed several recommendations, including strengthening local partnerships to enhance service delivery, expanding advocacy and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and misinformation, and increasing efforts to mobilize resources to sustain project activities beyond the current funding period. Capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers were also emphasized as a crucial step in ensuring improved SRHR services tailored to the needs of rightsholders.

The visit reaffirmed the critical role of GWIHR in promoting the SRHR of marginalized young women and girls in Rivers State. The organization’s dedication to service delivery, advocacy, and sustainability planning was recognized as a key factor in the success of the We Lead Project. With continued collaboration, strategic funding efforts, and capacity-building initiatives, the project is well-positioned to create lasting positive change, ensuring that rightsholders receive the care and support they need.