Women’s health takes centre stage at Lagos IWD event

In Lagos, the vibrant pulse of International Women's Day 2026 resonated with a powerful call to action: championing women's health is not just a matter of well-being, but a fundamental pillar for sustained professional advancement. The Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) brought together a diverse group of 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.” This gathering underscored a critical truth: as women continue to shatter glass ceilings across all sectors, their health must be placed at the forefront to ensure their progress is both meaningful and enduring.

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The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction.

Bunmi Oke, delivering a stirring keynote, declared that the rise of the woman professional is not a fleeting trend but a necessary correction, urging a decisive break from outdated stereotypes. Adeola Odesanya, Chairperson of WOHAN, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique qualities women bring—care, accountability, and wholeness—which are indispensable for robust leadership and development. The marketing communications space, as highlighted by Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, has seen women evolve from mere executors to influential leaders, a testament to their growing impact. The Out-of-Home advertising sector, in particular, was commended for its increasing number of women-led businesses.

Beyond celebrating these professional milestones, the forum delved deeply into the health challenges that disproportionately affect women. Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director of Orile-Agege General Hospital, issued a stark warning: declining health outcomes among women could severely undermine their economic and professional contributions. The discussions pinpointed critical issues such as the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, late-stage cancer detection, reproductive health complications, and the escalating pressures of mental health, including stress and burnout. The consensus was clear: a paradigm shift towards preventive healthcare, regular screenings, enhanced awareness, and conscious lifestyle adjustments is urgently needed.

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care, accountability and wholeness to the table

Furthermore, the event shed light on the systemic barriers that hinder women's ability to prioritize their health. Financial constraints, the pervasive burden of caregiving responsibilities, and deeply ingrained cultural expectations were identified as significant obstacles. This led to a strong advocacy for more inclusive policies and robust support systems that acknowledge and address these challenges. The discussions at this Lagos event serve as a potent reminder that empowering women requires a holistic approach, one that intrinsically links their professional triumphs with their fundamental right to health and well-being. This perspective is vital locally, as it directly impacts the productivity and stability of a significant portion of our workforce and society.

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from execution to influence.