FAME foundation was established to solicit, encourage and advance the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls as well as formulate programmes within the framework of national development plan with a view to enhancing the participation of women and advocate for gender parity in the society.
FAME foundation firmly believe that the entire nation, businesses, communities and groups can benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of women empowerment.
On November 16, 2024, the FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, held the Child Rights and Parenting Outreach under the PLAY it DREAM it initiative at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp in Abuja. The event brought together over 70 women and girls, addressing critical issues such as the management of chronic diseases, the elimination of violence against women and girls, and the support of survivors. The session aimed to equip the participants with essential knowledge to enhance their health, safety, and overall well-being.
The first speaker, Ms. Chizoba Anyadiegwu, delivered an impactful session on the various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse. She took time to explain how these different forms of violence often intersect and manifest in both overt and subtle ways within relationships, particularly domestic settings. Drawing from real-world examples, Ms. Anyadiegwu detailed how physical abuse may be accompanied by emotional manipulation and economic control, which can leave victims feeling trapped and powerless. She underscored that while physical violence is visible, emotional and economic abuse can often go unnoticed, yet they are just as harmful, causing long-term psychological damage that is not immediately apparent.
Ms. Anyadiegwu further emphasized the far-reaching consequences of domestic violence, particularly its impact on children. She explained that children who witness or are exposed to abuse often suffer severe emotional trauma, which can manifest in behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in school. The cycle of abuse can thus perpetuate itself, with the children of victims being more likely to become victims or perpetrators of abuse in their own relationships. She encouraged the women to recognize the signs of abuse not only in their own lives but also in the lives of those around them, particularly their children, and to understand that the harm caused by violence is often multi-generational.
In her session, Ms. Anyadiegwu made it clear that the psychological and emotional toll of abuse can be just as devastating as physical injury, and often takes longer to heal. She discussed the long-term effects of trauma, including the erosion of self-esteem, trust, and emotional stability. She urged the women to understand the importance of early intervention, highlighting that the earlier abuse is recognized and addressed, the greater the chance of healing and breaking free from the cycle of violence.
Ms. Anyadiegwu also focused on the importance of taking practical steps to protect oneself and one’s family. She advised the women to become more aware of their surroundings, recognize the warning signs of violence, and take action to remove themselves from abusive environments. She emphasized that seeking support from trusted family members, friends, or professional counselors is essential in overcoming the isolating effects of abuse. She encouraged the women to report incidents of abuse and seek legal recourse when necessary, stressing that no one should have to endure violence in silence.
The second speaker, Ms. Folake Oyebade, delivered an insightful and informative presentation on the prevention and management of chronic diseases, with a particular focus on conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and fibroids. She began by highlighting the growing prevalence of these health issues and stressed the importance of early intervention in preventing their progression. Ms. Oyebade emphasized that these conditions, if left untreated or poorly managed, often worsen over time, leading to severe health complications and a reduced quality of life. She made it clear that the key to avoiding such outcomes lies in early detection and proactive management.
Ms. Oyebade provided practical, actionable advice on how to recognize the early symptoms of chronic diseases, stressing the importance of being attuned to one’s body and seeking medical attention at the first sign of discomfort or unusual symptoms. She advocated for regular health screenings, which can help detect conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and reproductive health issues like fibroids, often before symptoms become more severe. She encouraged the women to prioritize regular medical check-ups and not to delay seeking care, particularly in the case of conditions that can be managed more effectively when diagnosed early.
In addition to medical intervention, Ms. Oyebade placed a strong emphasis on the role of lifestyle in both preventing and managing chronic diseases. She underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels as integral components of long-term health. She explained that proper nutrition, including the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, while physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improves cardiovascular health. Stress management, she noted, is equally crucial, as chronic stress can exacerbate conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Throughout her presentation, Ms. Oyebade highlighted that chronic diseases need not be debilitating or life-threatening if managed effectively. She encouraged the participants to take control of their health by adopting healthier habits, seeking medical care when needed, and maintaining a vigilant approach to their well-being. By doing so, she explained, it is possible to prevent the onset of serious complications and lead a fulfilling, healthy life.
The event concluded with an engaging and interactive question-and-answer session, where the women and girls had the opportunity to ask questions and seek further clarification on the topics discussed. This session encouraged an open exchange of ideas, enabling participants to share their experiences and gain valuable insights from the speakers. The event ended on a positive and empowering note, with the attendees expressing their sincere gratitude for the knowledge they had acquired, which would help improve their lives and the lives of those around them.