Janet Samuel, Abuja
In a bold move to spotlight the often-overlooked issue of women’s mental well-being, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria, led by its National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, hosted a groundbreaking Mental Health Education Symposium in Abuja on April 15, 2025.
The symposium, themed “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women’s Mental Health in Nigeria,” was held in collaboration with the Olajumoke Humanitarian Foundation, Farm Flowers and Allied Products Initiatives (FFAP) and African Women in NGO (AWINGO). It brought together key stakeholders, health experts, advocates, and women from across the nation to address the mental health challenges faced by Nigerian women.
In her welcome address, Princess Edna emphasized the urgent need to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among women who play critical roles in families and communities. She noted that despite their significant societal contributions, women’s mental health issues are often neglected or misunderstood. “It’s time to create a safe space where women can speak freely about their mental struggles without fear of judgment,” she declared.
The symposium aimed to achieve multiple objectives, including raising awareness about mental health, providing a platform for women to share their experiences, and equipping participants with practical strategies for resilience and well-being. The event also sought to ignite policy-driven advocacy for improved mental health support systems for women across the country. According to Princess Edna, empowering women mentally is vital for national development and gender equality.
In a remark, Mrs. Christy Sani Yakubu, President of Farms, Flowers, and Allied Products Initiatives (FFAP), emphasized her organization’s commitment to empowering women and enhancing their overall well-being As a partner in the symposium, she underscored the importance of creating platforms that support women’s mental health and economic growth.
She highlighted the vital role women play in agriculture and entrepreneurship, stressing that empowering them through capacity-building and advocacy remains central to her organization’s mission. “We recognize that supporting women’s economic empowerment directly contributes to healthier families and communities,” she stated.
Speaking on the theme “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Women’s Mental Health in Nigeria,” Mrs. Yakubu described mental health as a key component of women’s overall well-being. She called for collective action to foster an environment where women feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive both emotionally and economically.
Also speaking, the President of AWINGO, Dr Saadatu Adamu urged NCWS to adopt an annual calendar of activities that would regularly bring women together to discuss mental health issues. She also called on women to create safe spaces for one another, seek professional help when needed, and make their well-being a top priority. “Break the silence and make yourself your number one priority,” she said.
Speaking on the initiative, the President of Humanitarian Foundation Mrs DE Olajumoke noted that the foundation is committed to promoting women’s health education and empowering young women and youth. She encouraged women to prioritize their mental health and embrace wellness practices.
She urged women to promote and prioritize their mental health above all else.
