Nigerian women have been urged to take their health seriously for the good of the nation.
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The advice was given at an event organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists to commemorate the International Women’s Day, in Abuja.
In her lecture on Mental Health, Dr Theresa Anthony of Comfort Stream Foundation, said that women need to take care of their mental health to avoid breakdown.
She said that women have a lot of things in their hands that need to be taken care of, hence the need to have a sound mind.
“When you need to rest, rest. When you need to take a break, take a break. Learn to say no. Learn to say I can not do this or that today. Know when to seek medical help”. Dr. Anthony said.
She encouraged women to join personal development groups where they can relieve themselves of personal stress and maintain a sound mind.
In her keynote address titled ” Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, Mrs. Rafat Salami called on members of NAWOJ to use their reports to break gender biases.
She noted that women need to mentor younger girls and keep them on the right track.
“The duty for a better tomorrow lies in the hands of women.
Women should be mentors to younger girl”. Mrs. Salami said
Women’s menstrual hygiene was also discussed at the event where Queen Aina of Tarian Sanitary pad educated women on the best menstrual hygiene process.
She also pointed out that menstrual hygiene was very important to the health of women.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, FCT Council, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche commended NAWOJ for focusing on the health of women.
He said that breaking gender biases starts from the home where parents should learn to educate their children equally.
He said that there was no need segregating between boys and girls when it comes to doing chores.
He added that the programme speaks volumes about NAWOJ’s commitment to gender issues.
The chairperson Nigeria Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ) FCT, Chapter Comrade Annah Daniel said that this year’s celebration with the Theme: #Break the Bias…”Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable tomorrow” was apt..
She said that NAWOJ FCT in partnerdhip with other organizations of like minds are saying “NO to all forms of Bias militating against Gender Equality which includes cultural, constitution, violence/discrimination, political amongst others
She called for concerted efforts among women groups to establish a new political party if possible that will support all women who desire to vie for any position in the forthcoming general election .
“Looking at our focus for today’s event…which states” Healthy women Healthy Nation… This is a wake up call for conscious and deliberate efforts by women to have frequent routine medical checks towards a healthy living as prevention is better than cure. It may interest you to know that in Nigeria, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, 40 million women of childbearing age have health challenges surrounding birth. This shows that women are lacking in access to integrated health facilities which is not beneficial to womanhood”. Comrade Daniel said.
She noted that for a woman to excel in all her potentials, make a difference for a sustainable tomorrow from her home front to her immediate community; there is the need to advocate for a Healthy Woman
” The economic gains of a healthy woman are immeasurable as they will reduce poverty and advance the rights of women and the girl child”. She added.
The 2022 International Women’s Day is celebrated with the theme “#Break the Bias. The theme seek to address biases against women globally.
