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Women Living with HIV to receive interest-free loans Fortis Microfinance Bank in Nigeria

Five days a week, HIV-positive women in the Kibera slum come together to make rugs, sandals, and jewelry, and to share stories and advice about living with HIV/AIDS. Here, a group of women begin the process of weaving a rug.

If the 2015 timeline of the United Nations to end violence against women is to be achieved, government and corporate organisations must join hands in the struggle for the protection of the fundamental rights of every woman in Nigeria, the Managing Director of FORTIS micro finance bank, Mr. Deji Fisho has said.

To this end, the bank has pledged to give economic empowerment to members of the Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS by extending interest free loans to them.

Mr. Fisho who made this disclosure at the occasion of the International Women's Day (IWD), celebration in Abuja said that the gesture is to support women living with HIV and AIDS in the country to be self-reliant and fast track the attainment of justice and equity for the entire women folks.

"On our part, we have decided to give out loans to members of your organisation without interest. This is our support to women living with AIDS and HIV. Let us all therefore boldly commit ourselves to the radical socio-economic and political transformation of women", he added.

Represented by the corporate communications officer, Mr. Sebagen Henry Noboh, the Managing Director said that it is important to celebrate the achievement of women worldwide saying, "the international women's day will give us a sober reflection to look ahead at the untapped potentials of future generation of women".

He called on the federal government to borrow example from other nations of the world where IWD is given a special place in national history by declaring the day as public holidays.

Mr Fisho urged human right organisations to collaborate with the media in the fight for the liberation of women and create sensitization to Nigerians on the importance of the day.

Speaking earlier, National coordinator of ASWHAN, Anthonia Elanu said that the issue of violence against women and HIV and AIDS are mutually reinforcing.

She said that there is need for the legislature to make laws that recognize all forms of violence against women.

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