Nigeria Health Watch And National Gallery Of Art Spotlight Maternal Health At 3rd Annual Gala
The Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) recently hosted its 3rd annual “Celebrating Womanhood” Art Gala at the Abuja Continental Hotel, themed “Her Strength in Every Story: Creative Expressions for Women’s Health.”
This year’s event, centered on maternal health challenges in Nigeria, was held in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art, the Female Art Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), and MSD. The gala featured a compelling art exhibition organized by the NGA and curated by FEAAN, showcasing works that poignantly reflected the maternal health struggles faced by Nigerian women. The expertise and ingenuity of NGA’s Curatorial Services Department were once again made apparent in the selection of artworks that aptly depicted the exhibition’s theme.
Carefully selected artworks brought to life the stories of women navigating these challenges, serving as both a tribute and a call to action.
In her opening address, NHW Managing Director Vivianne Ihekweazu emphasized the urgency of addressing maternal health issues. “We must find innovative ways to mitigate the challenges Nigerian women face during pregnancy and childbirth,” she said, highlighting the event’s role in amplifying these critical conversations. Mrs. Janefrances Gbujie, Director of Educational Services, who represented the NGA Director-General, Ahmed Sodangi, delivered a speech praising the power of art as a catalyst for social change. “This partnership with NHW demonstrates how creativity can inspire meaningful progress,” she noted, commending the organizers for their impactful initiative.
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion exploring women’s empowerment as a vital strategy for improving maternal health outcomes. Experts and advocates underscored the need for systemic support to uplift women and reduce preventable maternal mortality.
The evening also featured a fashion show and concluded with the unveiling of a striking hand-designed fabric, a collaborative creation by women from a Five Cowries workshop held earlier this year in Kano State. The intricate piece symbolized unity and strength, echoing the gala’s overarching message.
The event drew a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, health advocates, and policymakers, all united in the mission to celebrate womanhood and champion better maternal health in Nigeria. Through this fusion of art, dialogue, and creativity, the 3rd “Celebrating Womanhood” Art Gala solidified its place as a powerful platform for change, leaving a lasting impression on the fight for women’s health.
