As part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025, John and Lucy Umenwa Foundation (JLUF), in partnership with WHAIAfrica, has launched a mentorship initiative to educate women in Igboukwu on essential health practices.
The programme, held under the Global Mentoring Walk Initiative of the Vital Voices Global Partnership, aimed to equip participants with knowledge on maternal care, hygiene, reproductive health, and disease prevention, and fostering a healthier community.
Over the weekend, Ngo Primary Health Centre in Igboukwu hosted the mentorship session, featuring officials from WHAIAfrica, a Nigerian partner of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, JLUF representative, Pharm. Amaka Nzewi, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the foundation’s mission of providing accessible healthcare to rural communities.
Through the CSR project of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, JLUF supplies free medications annually to five primary health centres in Igboukwu and Oraeri.
She noted that the partnership with WHAIAfrica strengthens efforts to educate and empower young women on reproductive health and childcare.
Medical officer Dr. Calista Chikodi led practical demonstrations on infant care and reproductive health, engaging participants in an interactive session.
The women actively participated, asking questions and expressing enthusiasm for similar programmes in the future.
Additionally, WHAIAfrica’s executive director, Nkechi Udegboka, educated participants on various forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including physical, psychological, sexual, and socio-economic abuse, as well as harmful traditional practices.
She also introduced them to the SafeCity app, developed by India’s Red Dot Foundation, which allows users to anonymously report GBV cases. WHAIAfrica is piloting the app in Nigeria, and participants received handbills detailing its usage.
At the close of the event, programme anchor Tidy Gold thanked WHAIAfrica and JLUF for bringing the global mentorship initiative to rural women.
She urged participants to apply their newfound knowledge and share it within their communities.
The event concluded with a community mentoring walk involving over 60 women, who described the programme as a life-changing experience.
Facilitators Ogochukwu Umeh and Nzube Nwakaibeya of WHAIAfrica coordinated the session.
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