The Safe Mum Initiative, a non-governmental organisation has unveiled the “Safe-Mum App”, a digital advocacy and support tool designed to address maternal mortality, mental health, and stress management among women, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, the founder of the Mama Care Initiative, Jane Chinwe Williams, recounted the painful journey that led to the initiative, explaining that Mama Care was born out of the need to reduce the burden women face in society.
“In 2021, we started. And somehow, along the line, again, I went back. I stopped. We realised there was a need for women to lessen the burden they already have as women of Africa. That was where we started the idea… caring for mamas,” she said
She highlighted how cultural expectations, infertility stigma, and pressure on women often lead to avoidable deaths.
“A lot of things boil down to the woman. And so we are thinking, How can we actually help this woman to just be herself so that she doesn’t get burnt out because she’s trying to fill her role as a woman?”
Williams narrated visits to rural communities such as Rungi in 2022, where many women could not afford antenatal care, recalling a tragic loss of a neighbour that strengthened her resolve.
“The seventh took her life and also took that of her child. It was really painful. Some of them cannot even afford to buy just a card to register for antenatal.”
According to her, even education does not always prevent risky decisions.
“This time around, this one, she knew; she’s educated, and yeah, she died… because she wanted to prove to the husband that she’s a strong woman.”
She said the Safe Mum App was developed to provide advocacy, information, and stress management support.
“No matter how small, we have to start safe mom initiatives… and also help women reduce stress.”
Also speaking, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Cross River State, described the initiative as timely and necessary.
“Maternal mortality is a very challenging issue in our country… Nigeria has one of the highest in terms of maternal mortality, and it’s actually a disgrace.”
He urged greater collaboration with faith-based institutions.
“One aspect I would like you to consider is involving religious bodies in your advocacy.”
Also, Hillary Akpua, president and founder of the Great Achiever Initiative for Youth and Community Development, stressed the importance of awareness.
“Everybody has a mother, and we came to add our voice. Mother care is very, very important as this application is launching.”
He noted that outdated beliefs must be challenged.
“The era has passed where you say that you want to give birth like Hebrew women.”
In a goodwill message, the founder of the Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, described the launch as more than a technology rollout.
“This event is not just a launch of an innovation. It is a celebration of growth, purpose and service.”
Ahmadu emphasised the importance of mental health, praising Williams’ resilience. “Maternal health care is not only about medical intervention but also about mental wellness… Even when they closed the door, Jane kept going back.”
She called on stakeholders to support the initiative. “Safe Mom deserves to grow beyond this room into a community where women need reassurances, guidance, and hope.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Eunice Emmanuel, founder of the Entrepreneurship Centre for Women Development, commended the vision behind the project.
“It is one thing to have a vision. And it is another to give birth to it.”
Sharing her personal experience, she spoke about stress and pregnancy loss, urging women to prioritise self-care.
“I lost one pregnancy to stress. It is someone alive who will live to build a dream. We have to really take care of ourselves.”
Dr. Emmanuel concluded with a call to action.“Relaxation is not laziness… Relaxation is recovering.”
The Safe Mum App aims to provide education, reassurance, and support for women, reinforcing advocacy for safer motherhood and improved mental well-being across communities.
Olusola Akintonde