By Cleopatra Eki
No fewer than 40 women have been equipped as a part of marking International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, by renowned visually impaired on-air personality and personal development strategist, Oluwakemi Odusanya, organized a one-day event focused on educating women with disabilities on sexual and reproductive health.
The exclusive workshop, hosted by Eagles Voice International for Disability Rights, brought together 40 women with disabilities, including individuals who are blind, deaf, autistic, little persons (dwarfs), and persons with albinism.
Policy Advocacy and Women’s Empowerment
In her remarks, Oluwakemi Odusanya, the founder of Eagles Voice International for Disability Rights, called for better policies and government programs to support persons with disabilities (PLWDs).
“People with disabilities deserve dignity, access to job opportunities, and inclusion in national development plans. This event is not just about education; it’s about empowerment—equipping women with disabilities with the mindset and strategies to own their power,” she stated.
The event, held at the Resource Center for the Blind in Yaba, Lagos, provided a platform for self-discovery, reproductive health education, leadership development, and business growth.
Health and Wellness: Key Discussions at the Workshop
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness-
The workshop emphasized sexual and reproductive health rights, addressing cervical and breast cancer, fibroids, family planning, menstrual health, and gender-related health concerns.
Guest speaker Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), highlighted the high prevalence of cervical cancer among Black women and the importance of early detection through screenings, healthy lifestyles, and proper nutrition.
Lawal also discouraged societal pressures on marriage, emphasizing that marriage is not the ultimate measure of success. She encouraged women with disabilities to be intentional about family planning, choosing the number of children they can adequately care for.
“Today is also World Kidney Day, so we must remember the importance of drinking plenty of water and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits that can lead to kidney diseases and infections,” Lawal emphasized.
She also urged women to reduce their consumption of processed foods, excessive alcohol, and smoking, as these habits negatively impact their reproductive and overall health.
Similarly, Mrs. Elizabeth Idowu, a visually impaired teacher, educated attendees on different contraceptive methods, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and bodily autonomy. Idowu also addressed the unique reproductive health challenges faced by women with disabilities.
Sex Education: Breaking the Silence -Another key speaker, Ms. Oluwa Enitan Sophia, founder of NATINEE, stressed the need for open discussions on sex education. She encouraged parents to educate their children early to prevent sexual abuse and misinformation.
“In African culture, parents often shy away from sex education, leaving children to learn from misleading sources. We must break that cycle by teaching our children the right information about their bodies and consent,” Oluwa said.
She further highlighted that many cases of abuse and molestation happen because children are unaware of what is inappropriate behavior.
The Reality of Reproductive Health Challenges -A blind entrepreneur, Mrs. Adenike Bolarinwa, shared her harrowing experience with birth control complications, stressing the need for accurate reproductive health education.
“I took some birth control pills that were unsuitable for my body, leading to severe complications. If I had access to the right knowledge earlier, I would have made better choices. Now, I am equipped with information that will not only help me but also my family and community,” she said.
Goodwill Message from Mrs. Ayinla Temitayo
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Ayinla Temitayo, Executive Director of Resource Center for the Blind, applauded Eagle Voice International for Disability Rights for organizing the event and empowering women with disabilities.
“We are truly grateful for this impactful initiative. Women with disabilities often face challenges in accessing healthcare information, and this workshop has provided valuable knowledge and resources to improve their well-being. Empowering them with the right information will lead to better health outcomes and a stronger sense of self-worth,” she said.
Ayinla further encouraged more collaborations between organizations and stakeholders to sustain such initiatives and ensure continuous support for women with disabilities.
A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health and Empowerment
The workshop concluded with networking opportunities, refreshments, and gift distributions, sponsored by Nivea for Beauty Creams, Yetty Zobo Drinks, and other organizations.
The event reinforced the importance of health education, financial independence, leadership, and breaking societal barriers.
With this initiative, Eagles Voice International for Disability Rights continues to drive impactful conversations, challenge limitations, and create opportunities for women with disabilities to thrive.
