The Centre for Media Advocacy for the Disabled (CMAD), in collaboration with the Ola-Oki Memorial Foundation (OOM) and the Badagry Deaf Association (BDA), hosted a training session on family planning for deaf women on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Ola-Oki hospital hall, Ibereko, Badagry,
The event marked the commemoration of International Women’s Day under the theme “My Body, My Choice: Building a Healthy Family Future.”
Mrs. Senami Oki, the founder of the Ola-Oki Memorial Foundation, emphasized the vital role of family planning in creating a healthy and sustainable society. She explained that women, as the cornerstone of the family, have the power to shape the future by making informed decisions about their reproductive health. “Access to proper family planning services empowers women, promotes healthier children, reduces maternal and infant mortality rates, and strengthens families economically,” Mrs. Oki noted.
Beyond family planning, she underscored the importance of investing in health and community development as key drivers of national progress. She called for improved healthcare for vulnerable groups, particularly women with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
One of the facilitators, CHP Shola Victor spoke on the significance of family planning as an essential tool for individuals and families to effectively plan for the future. She explained that family planning is not limited to deciding on the number and spacing of children but extends to financial stability and overall family well-being. Victor highlighted the risks of unplanned pregnancies, such as health complications, infertility, and even death. She stressed the need for education on safe and effective family planning methods, such as implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and injectables, to help prevent unintended pregnancies. Victor encouraged deaf women to embrace family planning to secure a healthier and more secure future.
Mr. Alade Ishola Nurudeen, a certified laboratory technician at Ola Oki Hospital, discussed the importance of understanding one’s genotype and blood group compatibility before marriage. He outlined the four major genotypes—AA, AS, AC, and CC—and their impact on health, particularly regarding sickle cell disease. He advised young deaf women and men to check their genotype compatibility to avoid potential health issues for their children. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of blood group compatibility, particularly in preventing complications like miscarriages caused by Rh incompatibility.
In his opening remarks, Sejoro Ekundayo, Executive Director of CMAD, emphasized the necessity of providing deaf women with accurate information, resources, and a supportive system to make informed reproductive health decisions. “Family planning is not just about contraception; it’s about choice, autonomy, and securing a healthier future for ourselves and our families. When women are empowered to take control of their reproductive health, communities thrive, and the next generation is given the best possible start in life.”
Ekundayo further affirmed CMAD’s commitment to ensuring that women with disabilities, especially deaf women, are included in discussions on health, rights, and access to essential services. “Inclusive advocacy and accessible information are crucial to breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities for all,” he concluded.
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1 comment
Hello, my name is Benard from Abia state. I have a graduated from the special needs at Alvan ikoku University of education owerri. I am deaf