Women’s health takes centre stage at Lagos IWD event

Women’s health and professional advancement took centre stage in Lagos as the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network convened stakeholders to mark International Women’s Day 2026, calling for a stronger alignment between women’s rising influence and their overall well-being.

The event, held in Ikeja, brought together industry leaders, medical experts and policy advocates under the theme “Give to Gain — Empower Her, Elevate All: Power, Progress, and the Urgent Call for Women’s Wellness.”

Participants emphasised that while women continue to break barriers across sectors, sustained progress depends significantly on prioritising their health.

Delivering the keynote address, Bunmi Oke challenged entrenched social norms, stating, “The rise of the woman professional is not a trend.

 It is a correction,” as she urged a shift away from stereotypes that limit women’s roles.

Chairperson of WOHAN, Adeola Odesanya, reinforced the argument, noting that women bring “care, accountability and wholeness to the table,” qualities she said are essential to sustainable leadership and development.

Also speaking, Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, highlighted the evolution of women’s roles in the marketing communications space, stating that women have moved “from execution to influence.”

She encouraged women to embrace leadership opportunities without hesitation and commended the Out-of-Home advertising sector for its growing number of women-led businesses.

Beyond celebrating professional gains, discussions at the forum focused sharply on health concerns affecting women.

Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orile-Agege General Hospital, Oluyemi Taiwo, warned that declining health outcomes among women could undermine their economic and professional contributions.

Speakers identified key health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, late detection of cancers, reproductive health complications, and increasing mental health pressures such as stress and burnout.

They called for a shift toward preventive healthcare through regular screenings, improved awareness, and lifestyle adjustments.

Participants also highlighted structural barriers—such as financial constraints, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural expectations—that often limit women’s ability to prioritise their health, urging more inclusive policies and support systems.

The event featured contributions from the President of the Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria, Sola Akinsiku; founder of WOHAN, Emmanuel Ajufo; and panellists, including Seyi Layade, Brenda Nwagwu, Abimbola Ijaniyi, and Temitope Runsewe.

The programme concluded with the inauguration of new WOHAN executives, signalling the group’s continued commitment to advocacy at the intersection of women’s empowerment and health.

Speakers collectively stressed that progress must be holistic, noting that professional advancement without wellbeing is unsustainable. The consensus at the event was clear: as women continue to rise across sectors, equal attention must be given to safeguarding their health to ensure long-term impact.