The critical importance of mental, menstrual health and hygiene in the community were major issues discussed at a forum held in Makoko area of Lagos State.
The event which held under theme: “the gift of wellness: mental health, menstrual health and education in business strategies” was organised by EXPOSE, a non- governmental organisation for women and girls.
Speaking at the Makoko Vocational Center, the venue of the programme, Founder of EXPOSE, Monalisa Okojie explained that the annual event which holds every Christmas also aimed to put smiles on the faces of needy women and girls in the community.
According to Okojie who is a legal practitioner as well as the president – Nehita Group of Companies and ANEROD, the theme of this year’s event was ideal as it would go a long way in educating the women and girls on resilience, the importance of managing mental health, menstrual health and their businesses, which are an integral part of their daily life.
She regretted that most women don’t make out time to take adequate care of their health, highlighting the saying that “health is wealth” and that one needs to be healthy before pursuing any other aspects of life.
Okojie expressed her organisation’s gratitude working with the Makoko community for the past five years in the sponsorship of several programmes.
The key areas have been providing quality education to children and vocational training for needy women.
She noted that some children are on full scholarship at the Our Lady of Apostles Private School, Yaba, Lagos.
Giving a brief background of her organisation, Okojie stated it was established some years ago to advance educational initiatives in the United States, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
Speaking on the importance of “mental health, hygiene and wellness”, a United States based Nurse, Efe Aidelojie urged girls to ensure proper hygiene during their menstrual period.
However, she warned against the use of pills during menstruation and educated them on the use of natural remedies and being physical active as solutions to menstrual cramps.
Explaining further, she gave examples such as drinking green tea, to lay down on the tummy on a warm towel, to be active and incorporate regular physical exercises in their daily lives as this relives painful period notably before and during the menstrual period.
Similarly, a Mental Health expert, Josephine Aidelojie who is also based in the US, advised women to take care of their mental health by avoiding anything that will cause them stress and depression.
Aidelojie stated that women are faced with lot of issues that could lead them to depression, such issues, she said this can be avoided.
While encouraging anyone who is depressed to seek medical attention, she disabused the generally held belief that those who seek counsel from mental health experts have psychiatric issues.
To her, when depression is not properly handled, it could lead to more dangerous issues
On her part, Precious Adeloye, stressed the need for collaboration among women who are into small scale businesses.
Adeloye indicated that for small scale businesses to grow, they need to collaborate with other smaller ones which gives them the opportunity to increase their market share.
In her words: “This collaboration strengthens the local economy. This will also enable them compete against larger businesses in the long run will be a win –win situation at all the times.’’
Adeloye educated the participants on the importance of not spending profit in business. She encouraged them to reinvest the profit to grow the business.
Also, she advised women to be consistence in whatever business they are involved,adding that it is important they enjoy it.
Similarly, the coordinator of the children’s scholarship programme on behalf of the NGO in Nigeria, Yvonne da Silva, lauded the organisers of the event for their commitment to the Makoko community over the years sponsoring the education to some of the needy children in the environment.
While one of the sponsors of the event, Sigma paints represented by Seyi Ajai emphasised the importance of continuing support for communities like Makoko and expressed a keen interest in expanding their partnership reach with EXPOSE.
The high point of the event was distribution of food items, clothes and health kits to women and girls who participated at the event.
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