The Coalition of Women in Governance (CWIG) has urged the Federal Government to support initiatives aimed at promoting and improving the mental health of women across the country.
Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, the group’s spokesperson, made the appeal during a health talk and seminar organized by Women Dance and Emerald Elixir in Abuja. The event, themed “Promoting Healthy Well-being Through Alternative Medicine,” addressed holistic approaches to health and wellness for women.
Mohammed, who also convenes the Abuja Women Dance initiative, emphasized that many women—especially those involved in caregiving and raising children—are facing mental health challenges that are often overlooked.
“Many women nurturing children and caring for others are not mentally stable, and this should not be the case,” she said. “We need to establish community-based hubs and counseling centers, training traditional rulers’ wives who serve as gatekeepers to recognize early signs of mental health issues. Women carry immense responsibilities, and we must support their mental well-being.”
She stressed the importance of raising awareness about mental health triggers and early warning signs, noting that poor mental health can lead to dysfunctional households and toxic environments.
“When the mind is unwell, everything becomes toxic. The home suffers, and that creates further imbalance,” she added. “Women must understand these challenges and feel empowered to speak about them because whatever affects a mother ultimately affects her children.”
Mohammed also highlighted the stigma surrounding issues such as domestic violence and verbal abuse, particularly in African societies, where such topics are often avoided.
“We call on the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Health to collaborate with us in establishing community counseling centers,” she said. “We will continue to host awareness programs like this because even a small conversation can open minds. There’s a very thin line between sanity and instability.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative (PAYWODI), shared her personal journey of surviving cancer through alternative medicine.
Gupar recounted being diagnosed with leukemia in a hospital but ultimately finding healing through natural remedies.
“Ninety-nine percent of what helped me were natural alternatives,” she said. “I turned to nature and refused to dwell on negativity. A Russian doctor helped trace the root of my condition to contaminated vegetables. Since then, I wash my vegetables thoroughly, avoid junk food, and no longer eat out.”
She also praised the benefits of Emerald Elixir, a herbal product she credited with resolving symptoms affecting her body and uterus.
Mr. Emeka Eugene, CEO of Emerald Elixir and a practitioner of alternative medicine, described the herbal drink as a powerful remedy for a range of health conditions in both women and men.
“Emerald Elixir has helped treat ailments such as stroke, diabetes, cancer, liver and kidney disease, high blood pressure, and cholesterol,” he said. “We’ve also seen results with prostate issues, insomnia, and even hangovers.”
