As the world continues to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day, experts and stakeholders have called on Nigerian women to break free from societal and systematic constraints imposed by policies and cultural beliefs.
At a one-day capacity-building workshop hosted by the Eagles Voice International for Disability rights (EVIDR) focusing on “Self-Discovery: Understanding Your Sexual Reproductive Health Rights”, participants were equipped with the requisite knowledge to challenge these barriers and the confidence to advocate for themselves in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The event brought together experts, advocates, PWD across visual impairment, hearing impairment, dwarfism, persons, albinism, and physical impairment from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues surrounding reproductive health, gender equality, and self-empowerment.
Oluwakemi Odusanya, founder of EVIDR, addressed the cultural and societal barriers that continue to limit women’s autonomy. She encouraged women to embody the resilience of an eagle, a bird known for its vision and strength.
“The eagle sees farther than humans and faces challenges head-on. Women must adopt this mindset rather than remain trapped by societal limitations,” she said.
She further highlighted the discrimination faced by women, especially those with disabilities.
“Women are often silenced in spaces dominated by men. A woman with a disability is questioned—can she marry? Can she carry a pregnancy to term? Can she love? These barriers must be dismantled,” she emphasized, calling for an inclusive society where all women are valued.
Ms. Oluwa Enitan Sophia, founder of Natinee Empowerment, in a session on self-discovery and reproductive health rights expressed concern about preventable diseases like cervical and breast cancer, urging women to take proactive steps toward their health. “Cervical cancer has a vaccine, yet many women still suffer from it. Why are we not prioritizing prevention?” she asked, encouraging attendees to seek regular screenings and vaccinations.
She also addressed the stigma surrounding menstruation, particularly in African communities.
“For a long time, menstruation was not discussed. Women were expected to endure it in silence. But today, I’m glad to see both men and women in this room engaging in these conversations, because education must include everyone,” she noted.
Mrs. Ayobami Junaid, a teacher, shared her personal experience growing up in a boarding school, where menstruation was often misunderstood. She cautioned against normalizing severe menstrual pain.
“Many young girls assume painful periods are normal, but that’s not always the case. If menstrual pain disrupts your daily life, medical attention is necessary. We must ensure our girls get the support they need,” she stated.
Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde, General Manager of LASODA , spoke passionately about the importance of inclusive sexual education and consent.
She condemned the widespread misconception that a woman’s refusal is not to be taken seriously. “There is a dangerous belief that when a woman says no, she actually means yes. This is a mindset that fuels gender-based violence. Women deserve to be heard and respected,” she said, urging society to challenge harmful narratives.
Mrs Oyetunde stressed the need for a balanced diet, emphasizing that good nutrition does not have to be expensive. “Locally available fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients that support reproductive health. Women must prioritize their well-being through healthy eating,” one of the facilitators explained.
The discussion extended to female reproductive biology, where women were educated on their unique reproductive systems. “Unlike men, who continuously produce sperm, women are born with a fixed number of eggs. Understanding this process helps women make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” she said
Participants collectively commit themselves to continue self advocacy regardless of background or abilities.
EVIDR called on all women especially women with disability to rise above societal limitations and be intentional about their reproductive health.