The Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) has urged policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize maternal health by empowering women across the country, emphasizing that initiatives designed to support women in fulfilling their dreams and contributing to society must not be taken lightly.
Speaking at the 2025 Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala, organized by NHW in Abuja on Friday, Vivianne Ihekweazu, the Managing Director, stressed the urgency of addressing maternal health challenges, as Nigeria continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally.
“Maternal health remains a pressing issue, with Nigeria recording over 1,000 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. This stark reality keeps us far from the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing the global maternal mortality rate to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030,” Ihekweazu noted.
The event, now in its third edition since its inception in 2021, brought together key stakeholders, artists, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to driving positive change in maternal health.
Underscoring the theme, ‘Her Strength in Every Story: Creative Expressions for Women’s Health’, Ihekweazu said the gala underscored the power of artistic expression in advocating for better healthcare for women.
“Through the creative expressions we witness tonight, we explore how the strength of women, both past and present, continues to be a driving force in improving health outcomes, particularly maternal health, in our communities,” she noted.
While reflecting on history, she highlighted the resilience of African women leaders who shaped societies and influenced policies, noting that economic empowerment and health are deeply interconnected.
“When women have the economic means to support themselves, they are more likely to access quality healthcare and advocate for policies that prioritize their well-being,” she said.
Reinforcing that maternal health is not just a women’s issue but a societal one, she said, “The health of women is a reflection of the health of our societies, and we must all invest in ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to the healthcare she needs.”
She called for collective efforts to amplify women’s voices and implement policies that improve maternal health, noting, “This evening is not just a celebration but a call to action, inspiring a future where no woman loses her life while giving birth”.
On her part, Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, the President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), emphasized the crucial role of women’s empowerment in health advocacy.
She praised initiatives like the gala for creating opportunities for women and young girls to engage in discussions about health and well-being.
“Any program that highlights womanhood, giving young girls and women of all ages a voice and an opportunity to participate in improving women’s health, is one we must support, recognize, and help advance,” she said.
Bagudu also commended the role of art in raising awareness about healthcare challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. “The artists displaying their beautiful work today are a testament to the power of creativity in advocacy. Supporting them is another way of uplifting women and strengthening our collective voice,” she noted.
The cancer advocate underscored the necessity of incorporating women’s empowerment into all sectors, including governance and policy-making. “If a program, whether in government, as a governor, a governor’s wife, or a policymaker, lacks a strong component focused on empowering women, it will struggle to succeed,” she emphasized.
She called on professionals from various industries to integrate women’s empowerment into their work, acknowledging that women often bear the responsibility of not only their families but entire communities. “When you empower a woman, you empower a community and, ultimately, a nation. We must continue to find new ways to uplift and support women,” she urged.
Ahmed Sodangi, Director General of the National Gallery of Art, highlighted the profound link between art and womanhood, emphasizing its role in shaping society and addressing critical issues such as maternal healthcare.
Represented at the gala, Sodangi stressed that the festival recognizes art’s influence on women’s development.
“This festival serves as a reminder that art is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression, and social connection,” he noted.
He further emphasized that access to up-to-date health information, awareness of pregnancy patterns, and understanding the past and future health trends significantly contribute to improved maternal healthcare outcomes.
“Research has shown that art can play a crucial role in emotional well-being, stress reduction, and even mental health support. As we navigate modern challenges, we must embrace the intersection of art and health,” he added.
According to Sodangi, the artworks not only highlight artistic excellence but also serve as a medium for dialogue and reflection, “We are proud to witness the convergence of creativity and purpose at this festival.
“The artworks on display remind us of the power of artistic expression to foster unity, inspire action, and elevate important conversations about health and humanity,” he stressed.
The festival showcased an impressive collection of artworks, each reflecting the depth and creativity of artists dedicated to cultural preservation.
The event attracted dignitaries, cultural leaders, and art enthusiasts and featured narrative artworks, a fashion parade, cultural exhibitions, testimonials and captivating poetry performances, including renditions by Hannah Ajayi and Senior Secondary School 3 student Muhammed Al-Amin Sanusi, which received a standing ovation.