Health
IWD: LC-AWM Empowers Women In Abuja, Calls For Economic Independence
By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Liberty Chapel Adventist Women Ministry has called on women to prioritise their health, embrace financial independence, and demand supportive policies as part of efforts to improve their well-being and societal impact.
The call was made by Lydia Anenga - Arthur, Adventist Women Ministries (AWM) leader at Liberty Chapel, Abuja, during the group’s Makeup Picnic held to mark International Women’s Day.
Anenga - Arthur, said the event, which also featured a free medical check-up and a talk show on self-care and self-love, was designed to empower women and strengthen their sense of community.
“We are here for the AWM Mega Picnic, where we are celebrating several things. Although we have met virtually this year, this is our first physical gathering,” she said.
According to her, the programme also honoured elderly women and celebrated members whose birthdays fell between January and March, while reinforcing the importance of women’s empowerment.
She emphasised that self-care should not be seen as selfish but as a necessity for every woman.
“Self-care means taking deliberate steps to maintain your peace and well-being. Many women prioritise everyone else their children, husbands, and relatives and neglect themselves. This often leads to burnout and, in some cases, serious health issues,” Arthur noted.
She said the initiative aimed to encourage women to rest when necessary, take care of their health, and make their well-being a priority.
Addressing broader societal challenges, Arthur highlighted financial hardship as a major source of stress among Nigerian women, urging them to develop independent sources of income.
She also called on the government to implement policies that support women, particularly in employment, noting that discrimination against pregnant and married women remains a concern.
Arthur reiterated that empowering women has far-reaching benefits for society, stressing that women play a critical role in raising children and building families.
Also, Rita chimereze urged women to take deliberate steps toward managing stress by prioritizing financial discipline, maintaining healthy lifestyles, and strengthening supportive relationships.
She acknowledged that women face multiple layers of stress, including financial burdens, relationship challenges, and workplace pressures.
She noted that addressing these issues requires practical and consistent actions, particularly in the area of financial management.
According to her, financial stress remains one of the most common challenges confronting women, making it necessary to take control of income and spending habits.
She advised women to reduce unnecessary expenses, especially on luxury items, while embracing budgeting as a critical tool for achieving financial stability.
A Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Mba Chinenye called on women to prioritise their health, stressing that physical, mental, and emotional well-being should not be sacrificed for family responsibilities.
Speaking during activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr. Mba noted that many women experience burnout due to neglect of their personal health, often skipping routine medical check-ups.
She warned that several life-threatening conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, often go undiagnosed because women fail to carry out basic health screenings.
Dr. Mba advised women to make it a habit to visit health facilities regularly, recommending at least monthly checks for blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
According to her, maintaining good health is essential for women to effectively care for their families and remain productive.
She also commended the women’s group for organising a comprehensive health-focused initiative as part of the celebration. The programme featured exercise sessions and free medical check-ups, offering participants the opportunity for early detection of health issues and access to professional medical advice.
Describing the initiative as impactful, she noted that such interventions play a crucial role in promoting preventive healthcare among women.
The physician further called on religious leaders to integrate regular medical outreach programmes into their activities, explaining that churches and mosques provide a strategic platform to reach a large number of women who may not otherwise seek medical attention.
One of the participants, Mrs. Jennifer Sampo, a pastor’s wife at Living Spring Outreach, described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it fosters unity and support among women.
She explained that bringing women together creates a strong sense of belonging, adding that the church regularly organises such gatherings to provide a platform for women to interact, share ideas, and discuss issues affecting their lives, particularly health-related concerns.
She highlighted the importance of such programmes, especially during a period dedicated to celebrating women, noting that they address key aspects of women’s lives, including health and stress management.
Another participant, Fabiyi Adebimpe Kekelomo, representing the Advantage Women’s Ministry, said the gathering formed part of activities to mark International Women’s Day, noting that the ministry has remained committed to empowering women spiritually, emotionally, and financially.
She disclosed that the group recently organised a five-day women’s retreat in Nasarawa State, which had a significant impact on participants. According to her, the ministry also operates financial contribution schemes where women save regularly—daily, weekly, or monthly—and receive payouts in turns.
Kekelomo explained that the initiative enables women to build financial reserves, invest in businesses, and become more self-reliant.
