In a bold call to action, medical experts, health advocates, and policymakers have urged Nigerian women to stop ignoring silent health challenges and begin advocating for their well-being as a matter of personal, social, and national importance. Speaking at the 2025 Banking on Women’s Health Conference, participants stressed that the systemic neglect of women’s health issues poses a critical threat to both individual lives and the country’s broader socio-economic development.

The conference brought together stakeholders from across the healthcare, policy, and development sectors who unanimously argued that women’s health must no longer be relegated to the background. They underscored the importance of education, access to healthcare, and robust workplace policies to ensure women are not hindered by health issues that are often overlooked or trivialized in society.

‘Know Your Body’: The Case for Second Opinions and Regular Checks

During a pivotal panel session, renowned oncologist and Chair of the Women in Health Network, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, emphasised the critical role of self-awareness and the need for women to take an active role in their health decisions. She encouraged Nigerian women to trust their instincts and seek second opinions when a diagnosis or treatment doesn’t feel right.

“It’s about knowing your body and responding to that knowledge. If something feels off, it’s not enough to rely on a single screening or doctor’s word. Always get a second opinion,” she said, warning against complacency in the face of persistent symptoms.

Dr. Elebute-Odunsi added that misdiagnoses and oversight are common, making it essential for women to challenge first impressions and seek clarity. She also called for intensified awareness campaigns and improved access to quality healthcare to empower women to take their health more seriously.

Cardiologist Warns Against Normalising Discomfort

Echoing similar sentiments, Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Monisola Adebanjo lamented how many Nigerian women dismiss or downplay symptoms of serious conditions because they are consumed with caregiving roles.

“As women, we minimise our illnesses. We ignore symptoms thinking we’re just tired or stressed. But persistent issues aren’t in your head — they need investigation,” she said, stressing that symptoms like fatigue, pain, or irregular cycles should never be ignored.

Dr. Adebanjo urged women to prioritise their health by scheduling regular check-ups and consulting with multiple specialists when needed. She noted that early detection and proper intervention often save lives, especially in cases of cardiovascular disease — a leading but under-recognised killer among Nigerian women.

A Gaping Hole in Research and Funding

On her part, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, highlighted the critical funding gap in women’s health research, which she described as a “missed opportunity” for the country. According to her, societal bias often means that when resources are scarce, women receive even less attention.

“There’s a massive gap in funding and data collection for women-specific health issues. This oversight prevents us from understanding the full scope of challenges women face,” she stated, urging the government and institutions to correct this imbalance through dedicated research investments.

Women’s Health: A National Economic Imperative

The founder and convener of the conference, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, decried the longstanding neglect of women’s health in Nigeria, both in public discourse and in private homes. According to her, society cannot expect women to lead in business and politics while ignoring the toll poor health takes on their potential.

“For too long, women’s health has been underestimated, underdiagnosed, and underfunded. It’s not just a personal matter — it’s an economic issue. Healthy women are productive women,” she said.

Dare-Johnson, who is also the CEO of Healthtracka and Executive Director of the Foundation for Advocacy, Innovation and Research (FAIR), called for an end to performative discussions. Instead, she urged decision-makers to create actionable frameworks that deliver tangible improvements to women’s health.

Presidency Reinforces Commitment to Female Health

Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, affirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising women’s health, noting that her role signals a departure from the past when such issues were sidelined.

“The time when women’s health was discussed in hushed tones is over. We’re taking bold steps to ensure it becomes a national priority,” she said. Dr. Steinacker advocated for collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to promote policies and innovation that uplift women’s health nationwide.

She passionately asserted, “When a woman’s health is protected, a nation’s heart beats stronger.”

International Support and Collaboration

Joining the conference virtually, Rodio Diallo, Deputy Director of Family Planning at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reiterated the organisation’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to transform women’s health. She said the Foundation would continue working with the federal government to eliminate maternal deaths and improve access to quality care.

“Our vision is clear: a Nigeria where every woman receives the healthcare she needs. Achieving that vision requires collective action, innovation, and resilience,” she said.

Diallo added that real change can only happen when the country commits to actionable strategies that prioritise women’s health as a cornerstone of national development.

Report Unveils Harsh Workplace Realities for Nigerian Women

One of the highlights of the conference was the unveiling of a groundbreaking report by FAIR titled The State of Women’s Health in Nigeria. The report exposed a silent but persistent health crisis affecting millions of working-class women across the country.

According to the findings, 67.2 percent of Nigerian women experience serious health issues at work, including menstrual pain, fertility treatment complications, and menopause-related challenges. Yet, workplace support remains abysmally low.

The report further revealed that fewer than 50 percent of male colleagues recognise women’s health struggles, while only 18 percent of employers offer women-specific benefits like menstrual leave or fertility support.

Dare-Johnson described the report as a wake-up call. “Women’s health is not a luxury or a side issue. It is a pillar of economic growth and productivity. Companies that invest in women’s health see reduced absenteeism, better retention, and stronger performance.”

She urged corporate leaders to introduce flexible policies and benefits that reflect the real needs of working women, from menstrual leave to reproductive health insurance and menopause accommodations.

A Call for Bold Action

The Banking on Women’s Health Conference concluded with a resounding call for collective, urgent action. Experts, government representatives, and development partners agreed that the next phase must move beyond discussions to implementing scalable, gender-sensitive health solutions.

With mounting evidence pointing to the economic and social benefits of supporting women’s health, participants declared that empowering women through robust healthcare is no longer optional — it is imperative.

The conference delivered a strong message: when women are healthy, the nation prospers. Now, the challenge lies in translating the momentum from advocacy into systemic change.