Experts have called on the federal government and other stakeholders to strengthen social protection programmes and policies for women and other vulnerable groups in the country.

They made the call during the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day organised by the Association of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS (INERELA) at the weekend in Abuja.

Dr Anyanwu Felicia of the  Gender Responsive Action Equity Development Initiative said the theme of this year’s commemoration stressed the need for social protection structures for vulnerable groups in the country.

She said an effective social protection programme would enable women access all financial programmes and products, access health facilities, and also reduce poverty.

Dr Anyawu  said the country must also target excluded women inorder to achieve holistic and inclusive growth.

While saying that government has made some commendable efforts in empowering women, she said there was need to do more in strengthening policies, frame works and institutions , as well as ensuring implementation of interventions for vulnerable populations.

National Coordinator, Association of Religious Leaders Living with HIV/AIDS (INERELA) Amber Erinmwinhe said the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day  ‘Balance for Better’ is a call to action to drive gender balance across the world.

She said the International Women’s Day was still being celebrated because the original aim of achieving gender equality has not yet been realized.