WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT URGED AS CRUCIAL STRATEGY TO TACKLE UNWANTED PREGNANCIES AND PROMOTE SOCIETAL WELL-BEING

Stakeholders across sectors gathered at the “Women’s Voices in Focus” symposium in Abuja to call for urgent coordinated efforts to support women’s empowerment as a vital tool against rising unwanted pregnancies and related health issues. Organised by MESBA Promotions Limited, the event stressed expanding women’s access to education, economic opportunities, and reproductive health information for better decision-making.

Maimuna Abaji-Yahaya, MESBA CEO and event convener, highlighted how empowering women and girls enhances resilience, health outcomes, and community well-being. She revealed plans for a movie tackling teenage unwanted pregnancies to spark dialogue and reduce stigma faced by young mothers.

Speakers including MESBA’s Artistic Director Adejoh Ibrahim and students Joy Giwa and Aruwa Habibat-Ojone emphasized causes like poor parental guidance, peer influence, inadequate sex education, and exposure to social media. Panelists called for comprehensive policy reforms, sustained education access, and women’s empowerment as key levers to address these persistent social challenges impacting families and society.