The International Women’s Day celebration took place on August 22, 2024, in Calabar, Cross River state, organized by the Adanne Eneka Empowerment Initiative with the support of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The event, which focused on women’s health and empowerment, highlighted the importance of this global day in advocating for gender equality and celebrating women’s achievements NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The event began with a warm welcome from a representative of the organizing NGO, who emphasized the critical role of women’s empowerment in driving positive change within communities. The representative noted that this initiative is being carried out across all nine states of the Niger Delta, demonstrating a strong regional commitment to improving the lives of women. Attendees were reminded that International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a day dedicated to recognizing women’s contributions and pushing for gender parity worldwide.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Dr. Patricia Ojekwe, a speaker highlighted the essence of International Women’s Day. He passionately discussed the progress made toward gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve true parity. He encouraged the women to continue advocating for their rights and to actively participate in their communities to ensure these rights are upheld.
A significant part of the event was a presentation on women’s health by Dr. Efioanwan Archibong, a physician from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Dr. Archibong provided an in-depth analysis of the health challenges faced by women in the Niger Delta region. Her presentation covered a range of issues, including the lower life expectancy of women in West Africa, the prevalence of heart conditions, and the critical need for early detection and treatment of cancers such as cervical and breast cancer. She emphasized that many health conditions in women go undiagnosed, leading to preventable complications and fatalities.
Dr. Archibong called for a greater focus on women’s health, particularly in managing non-communicable diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. She also addressed reproductive health, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and other important topics like menopause, violence against women, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy-related disorders, and arthritis. Additionally, she stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, including pap smears for cervical cancer, monitoring sugar and cholesterol levels, testing for STDs like HIV/AIDS, and eye exams for conditions like glaucoma.
The presentation also highlighted the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, not only for infant health but also for reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. Dr. Archibong urged women to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like alcohol and tobacco consumption.
The event also featured an entertainment segment, providing a lighter atmosphere amid the day’s serious discussions. Attendees were offered health checks by medical personnel, who assessed blood pressure, glucose levels, pulse, heart rate, and oxygen levels—providing immediate health insights to those present.
In his closing remarks, Chief Dr. Daniel Ajunwa, the Cross River State NDDC Director, praised the efforts of the organizers and participants. He encouraged women to apply the knowledge gained from the health presentations to improve their well-being. Chief Dr. Ajunwa also acknowledged the speakers for their informative sessions and underscored the significance of the lecture series in this year’s celebration.
Hon. Orok Duke, the CRS NDDC Representative, played a pivotal role in mobilizing women across the state to participate in the event. He highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities like this to learn about women’s health and ensuring that this knowledge is shared within their communities. His efforts were instrumental in achieving a large turnout and active engagement from women across the state.
The day concluded with a strong sense of education, empowerment, and community support, all aimed at enhancing the lives of women in Cross River and beyond.
