Gender disparity remains a deep-seated challenge affecting women across borders. Women in modern and rural societies grapple with discrimination and inequality that impact their access to education and finance, career choices and opportunities.

This imbalance further influences women’s health, altering how women seek and receive health services. Gender norms that keep girls away from education influence the type of jobs they get when they become older. The lack of good-paying jobs, restrictions on women’s mobility, and access to/control over finance, equally impact their health-seeking behaviour.

These patterns have triggered early and forced marriages, teenage pregnancies, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, and sexual and physical abuse, all having health implications.

Reports also show that healthcare providers attribute the control over a woman’s body to some other entity, guided by misogynistic beliefs and stereotypes.

A family planning study in six Nigerian cities showed that health providers discouraged newly wedded women from the use of contraceptives, believing that it was their responsibility to have children immediately after marriage. The study also showed that these providers believed the consent of their husbands was required to receive contraception. In another study in southwest Nigeria in 2018, healthcare providers discouraged unmarried sexually active females from using contraceptives; they were instead to abstain from sex.

These sexist practices, present sadly even in the health sector, have affected how women who suffer rape and unmarried pregnant women are treated by health service providers, further discouraging these groups from visiting healthcare facilities to access life-saving services.

Maternal Health in Nigeria

Statistics from UNICEF reveal that Nigeria’s 40 million women of childbearing age suffer a disproportionally high level of health issues surrounding birth, with the country currently accounting for 10% of global deaths for pregnant mothers and a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 live births, the fourth highest globally.

Limited access to skilled healthcare professionals during pregnancy and childbirth, lack of critical medical equipment, financial constraints, and cultural beliefs causing delays in seeking medical care are contributing factors impacting maternal health in the country.

Moreover, the lack of clinical psychological support for women faced with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, paranoia and trauma stemming from miscarriage and/or childbirth complications, further reduces their quality of life.

Investing in Women's Health
Gynix Afrika is working towards a future where African women are sufficiently health-educated, own their bodies, and can access prompt quality healthcare. Through innovative and local solutions, and strategic collaborative efforts, we are investing in the health and well-being of women in Africa.  

Health Education, Health Screening and Health Access
Our projects aim to provide women and girls with accurate health information, combating misinformation so that women make conscious and right choices about their health. We use a variety of channels, including outreaches, campaigns, radio programs, women's and girl's clubs, and online media.

In one of our outreach programs, we reached out to about 100 adolescent girls in Ijebu-Ijesha, Oriade LGA in Osun State. 82.7% of the girls were aged 11-18. During the program, we provided information on menstrual hygiene, sexual health, STDs, teenage pregnancy, mental health, personal development, and career prospects. We also had a session for individual counselling where participants shared personal health challenges and received guidance.

Our indigenous Yoruba women's health radio program is also very effective in sensitizing women on important health issues and encouraging participatory discussions through listeners' call-ins.

Health Screening, an integral part of our work, contributes to the early detection and treatment of illnesses, including HPV infection, breast cancer, NCDs, and STIs- reducing the number of preventable deaths. Screening also aids in the detection of pregnancy-related risks and complications. The organisation facilitates access to quality healthcare through its referral initiative. We are also investing long-term in the development of a women's health app to connect users with the services they need.

Maternal Health Outreach- MAY 2024

In May 2024, Gynix Afrika plans to conduct a health outreach program aimed at supporting pregnant women in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. The project's primary objective is to address the underlying causes of maternal illnesses and deaths to improve maternal health in Oyo State. Our approach includes facilitating access to high-quality antenatal care, health education, health screening, referrals, and providing pregnancy supplements and birth kits.

To achieve our goals, we are partnering with the State Government, Primary Health Care Board, Community and traditional institutions, and other stakeholders.

Collaboration for Gender Parity in Health
On this International Women’s Day, we proudly recognise and celebrate women of all races and tribes. We acknowledge the high-impact economic, political and socio-cultural achievements of women, despite the fewer opportunities available to them.

We call for policy reforms that address gender disparities in healthcare, protect sexual and reproductive rights, and eliminate gender-based violence. These are basic to creating an environment where women can thrive.

We reaffirm our commitment to women's health by acknowledging the challenges they face, pushing back at gender stereotypes, and advocating for substantial investments in women's well-being.

By empowering women and ensuring their health and rights are prioritized, we #accelerateprogress not only for women but for the society as a whole.