In a significant milestone for gender discourse in Nigeria, the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) convened in Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme: *Give to Gain — Empower Her, Elevate All*. The event underscored a vital message: women’s growing influence is undeniable, but its sustainability hinges on prioritizing women’s health and wellness.
The gathering spotlighted two interdependent pillars essential to national progress: professional empowerment and holistic well-being. As Mrs. Adeola Odesanya, WOHAN Chairperson, emphasized, “The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction.” Women across sectors are increasingly moving beyond mere representation to exert genuine influence—leading, innovating, and shaping strategic decisions. Their visibility, voice, and leadership are transforming power structures into more inclusive and adaptive models.
Breaking the Myths
A core highlight of the event was the deliberate challenge to longstanding stereotypes about women, both globally and within Nigeria. Mrs. Bunmi Oke, the keynote speaker, addressed these misconceptions directly, presenting compelling evidence that Nigerian women are highly educated, entrepreneurial, politically active, and technologically savvy. They are leading enterprises, influencing policy, and driving innovation across sectors.
Mrs. Oke’s message was clear: “Culture, once seen as a limiting factor, is now being reshaped by the very women it once constrained.” The narrative is shifting from confinement to empowerment, with women redefining their roles in society.
Mrs. Odesanya reaffirmed this perspective, stating that women bring care, accountability, and wholeness to leadership spaces. Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN, lauded women’s contributions, asserting, “competence is speaking louder today than bias. Women are not just participating; they are delivering measurable impact.” She stressed, however, that women must be willing to step forward, cautioning against delaying opportunities due to perceived unpreparedness. “If we keep waiting to be ready, we may keep waiting forever,” she said.
Mrs. Medebem also praised the Out-of-Home (OOH) sector for its strong representation of women-led businesses, describing it as both encouraging and instructive for Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem. The event was attended by notable figures, including Chief Sola Akinsiku, President of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria, and Chief Emmanuel Ajufo, founder of WOHAN, alongside panelists such as Mrs. Seyi Layade, Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu, Abimbola Ijaniyi, and Temitope Runsewe.
The Health Crisis We Ignore
Amid these strides, an urgent and often overlooked issue emerged—women’s health. Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director and CEO of Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos, underscored that health must be recognized as a critical infrastructure for sustained success. “Health directly impacts energy, productivity, confidence, and longevity,” she emphasized.
Despite advancements, women worldwide continue to face significant health challenges. Globally, women spend a disproportionate amount of their lives in poor health, with far-reaching economic and societal consequences. The data presented painted a sobering picture: cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women globally, with hypertension affecting many Nigerian women. Cancers such as breast and cervical cancer continue to claim lives due to late detection and inadequate screening. Reproductive health issues and rising mental health concerns—including stress, anxiety, and burnout—are impeding women’s productivity and overall quality of life.
A Call for Preventive Wellness
Speakers called for a paradigm shift from reactive healthcare towards proactive, preventive wellness. Key recommendations included:
– Regular medical check-ups and screenings
– Monitoring vital health indicators
– Prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being
– Adopting sustainable nutrition, rest, and physical activity practices
“Small actions,” experts stressed, “can create meaningful and lasting change.” Integrating health into daily routines is essential for empowering women to sustain their influence and leadership roles.
Persistent Barriers
Despite increased awareness, systemic challenges remain—time constraints, financial burdens, caregiving duties, and cultural expectations often push women’s health to the background. Many delay seeking care, increasing their vulnerability to preventable risks.
The Bigger Picture
A compelling insight from the sessions was that empowerment without health is unsustainable. Conversely, health without empowerment is incomplete. The future belongs to women who are not only rising but are also healthy, supported, and equipped to lead effectively.
The narrative of today’s woman is transforming from one of limitation to that of possibility, progress, and power. Achieving this vision requires a fundamental shift: viewing women’s health as a national priority, not just a personal concern. When women rise and remain healthy, nations do not just grow—they thrive.
The event concluded with the inauguration and swearing-in of new WOHAN executives, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to these ideals.
