The Gender Equality Fund Project commenced operations in Lagos State on July 4, 2025 with a Joint Inception Meeting that gathered representatives from civil society and government agencies.
The meeting formally launched collaborative efforts among three implementing organisations: Sustainable Impact and Development (SID) Initiative, Hall of Care and Good Humanitarian Initiative (HCHI), and Biola Ariyo Youth and Women Foundation (BAYWO).
The project, backed by Y+ Global with financial support from the Global Fund, GSK, and ViiV Healthcare, is structured to support adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through leadership training, advocacy, and access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Populations targeted for inclusion include AGYW living with HIV, young women with disabilities, LBTIQ+ persons, sex workers, those in rural or conflict-affected zones, and adolescent mothers.
Speaking at the meeting, Elizabeth Talatu Williams, who leads SID Initiative, said the initiative is designed to equip AGYW with the skills and knowledge required to advocate for their health and rights.
She added that reducing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria rates among young women in Lagos requires coordinated support across sectors.
Participating organisations outlined their planned contributions. SID will work on advocacy, leadership development, and outreach through media. HCHI intends to improve access to youth-friendly healthcare in underserved areas, while BAYWO will carry out both on-ground and digital engagement within the Agege Local Government Area.
During the discussions, Abiola Ajani-Ariyo of BAYWO drew attention to the need for training medical staff to make services more accessible to young people. She emphasised that effective implementation depends on sustained collaboration with institutions.
Stella Nwokolo of HCHI urged stakeholders to involve programme participants in existing technical committees focused on HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria policy.
Government representatives present included delegates from the Lagos State ministries of youth and health, the State AIDS Control Agency, the Office for Disability Affairs, and civil society platforms on immunisation and malaria.
Some participants affirmed their willingness to collaborate through policy contributions and public outreach.
The meeting ended with attendees acknowledging the importance of multi-sectoral engagement in improving the well-being of adolescent girls and young women across Lagos.
