By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Orange Sierra Leone Women (OSL Women) recently gathered leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members for a one-day seminar titled “OSL Women Wellbeing.” The event aimed to enhance awareness and foster support for pressing health issues affecting women.
The seminar featured a series of impactful addresses addressing critical topics, including physical health conditions such as fibroids, as well as mental health and workplace stress. In her opening remarks, OSL Women President Priscilla Okechukwu underscored the necessity for women to understand their bodies and have a supportive environment for discussing mental health and stress management challenges. She emphasized the seminar’s role as a platform for open dialogue, enriched by contributions from knowledgeable speakers and generous partners who provided gifts to attendees.
Georgina Vincent, Legal and Compliance Manager at Orange Money Finance Sierra Leone (OMFSL), served as the Master of Ceremony, guiding the event’s proceedings. Human Resources Director Agnes Songa delivered a poignant address, highlighting that women’s well-being is crucial for any organization. She acknowledged the multiple roles women undertake as caregivers and professionals and stressed the need for supportive workplaces that empower women to excel. Songa called for solidarity among women, urging them to uplift one another, remain active in the workforce, and uphold strong values.
The medical segment commenced with Dr. Rosetta Cole, who discussed fibroids, non-cancerous tumors prevalent among women, particularly those of African descent. She detailed symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and reproductive challenges, explaining that while not all fibroids necessitate treatment, those causing symptoms often require management. Diagnosis typically involves ultrasound.
Keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Bah, Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s health. She outlined initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality and enhancing access to reproductive health services, including universal health coverage. Dr. Bah advocated for a multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing community engagement and the integration of non-communicable diseases, such as fibroids, into the national reproductive health strategy. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to pass a mental health bill into law.
A representative from Palanie and Sons, a pharmaceutical company, presented the company’s mission to deliver quality, affordable medications and services. He invited attendees to explore their branches and shared information about their operating hours.
The seminar concluded with a mental health session led by Dr. Melvina Thompson, who addressed the unique pressures faced by women. She explored the connection between stress and physical ailments like diabetes and hypertension, defining well-being as a holistic concept involving emotional, physical, social, workplace, and societal dimensions. Dr. Thompson outlined signs of stress and burnout, such as fatigue and irritability, and emphasized the importance of resilience, strong support systems, and self-care practices, including regular exercise and adequate sleep, to manage workplace demands effectively.
The event served as a call to action for increased awareness and support for women’s health, advocating for collaboration among communities, corporations, and government entities to enable women to lead healthy, productive lives.
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