As part of its commitment to celebrating women and focusing on their mental health, a nonprofit organization, Be An Impact Empowerment Foundation (BAIE Foundation), has brought together thought leaders, experts, and advocates to address the challenges unique to women.
They also called for more inclusivity and support for women in the entertainment industry and other industries as well.
Speaking on the struggles of married women in Nollywood, actress Seun Osigbesan divulged a number of issues married mothers in the industry face, including being sidelined based on assumptions from directors. She recounted the career struggles of a fellow actress who was once in high demand but faced a decline in opportunities after marriage and motherhood, leading to public scrutiny and mental health struggles.
The event, themed “Fearless Women, Strong Minds: Overcoming Unique Mental Health Challenges,” also highlighted the urgent need for awareness, support systems, and policy changes to protect women’s well-being.
Delivering the welcome address, Sandra Ajibola, the foundation’s founder, underscored the emotional toll of societal expectations on women.
Also featuring a diverse panel of speakers, including Dr. Prevail Olayinka Ahmed, Seun Osigbesan, Opeyemi Lawal Kauthar, Mofolusade Sonaike, Esther Robert, Elizabeth Awosanya, and anchored by Zainab Ajisegbede, they all shared insights on mental wellness and self-care.
Dr. Prevail warned that untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences, including postpartum depression and suicide. She urged women to stay grounded in their faith and surround themselves with positive influences.
At the panel session, the founder of Lok Natal Care, Opeyemi Lawal Kauthar, stressed the need for better support for pregnant women, stating that many suffer in silence due to a lack of awareness and support systems.
Elizabeth Awosanya urged women to prioritize self-care as a fundamental aspect of mental well-being. Speaking passionately about relaxation, Awosanya encouraged women to embrace simple pleasures, saying self-care doesn’t have to be expensive.
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The women all stressed the need for policy reforms and community-based interventions, recommending mandatory mental health screenings during prenatal visits, accessible and affordable therapy sessions for women, public awareness campaigns to combat mental health stigma, workplace policies supporting women’s mental well-being, and community-based support networks to provide emotional assistance.
Ajibola urged attendees to continue the conversation beyond the conference and become advocates for mental health awareness for all women across all sectors.
