Announcements

In a significant gathering focused on the well-being of women, ORANGE Sierra Leone Women have organized a one-day HEALTH SEMINAR themed ‘OSL women wellbeing’. The event brought together leaders, medical experts, and participants for a day of education and solidarity. The event featured a series of addresses aimed at addressing critical health issues affecting women, from physical conditions like fibroids, to mental well-being and workplace stress.
Delivering the opening remarks OSL Women President, Priscilla Okechukwu, emphasized the importance of women understanding their bodies and having a space to discuss challenges related to stress management and mental health. She highlighted the seminar as a platform for open discussion, made possible by knowledgeable speakers and supportive partners who provided gifts for the attendees. The Master of Ceremony, Georgina Vincent, the Legal and Compliance Manager, Orange Money Finance Sierra Leone (OMFSL) guided the proceedings.
Agnes Songa, the Human Resources Director, delivered a heartfelt address, stressing that the well-being of women is a primary concern for any organization. She articulated that a supportive workplace is essential for women to thrive, noting the multiple roles women juggle as partners, caregivers, and parents. Songa encouraged solidarity among women, urging them to support each other, especially those in difficult positions, and to make themselves visible and valued in the workforce by maintaining good values and avoiding complacency.
The medical segment of the seminar began with a presentation by Dr. Rosetta Cole on fibroids. She explained that fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that remain localized and are common in women, particularly those of African descent. Dr. Cole detailed the symptoms, which can include heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and reproductive challenges, and explained that diagnosis is typically done through ultrasound. She noted that not all fibroids require treatment, only those causing symptoms, and discussed various management options.
The keynote speaker Dr. Patricia Bah, the Chief Nursing Officer from the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to women's health. She outlined the government's efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to reproductive health services through initiatives like universal health coverage. Dr. Bah emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach involving various ministries and community engagement to effectively address the health and well-being of women and girls. She also highlighted the inclusion of non-communicable diseases, such as fibroids, into the national reproductive health strategy and the ongoing work to pass a mental health bill into law.
A representative from the pharmaceutical company, Palanie and Sons, outlined the company's long-standing mission to provide quality, affordable medicines and services. He shared their plans for expansion and invited attendees to visit their branches, detailing their operating hours.
The seminar concluded with a session on mental health by Dr. Melvina Thompson, who focused on the unique pressures faced by women. She discussed the link between stress and physical health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and defined well-being as encompassing emotional, physical, social, workplace, and societal factors. Dr. Thompson described the signs of stress and burnout, such as low energy, irritability, and changes in habits, and emphasized the importance of resilience, strong support system, and self-care practices like exercise and proper sleep, to manage workplace demands and maintain overall health.
The event served as a call to action for greater awareness and support for women's health issues, encouraging community, corporate, and governmental collaboration to ensure women can lead healthy, productive lives.
Credit: Lamin Bangura