To tackle maternal mortality, reduce poverty, and uplift vulnerable women, the Helen Iwendi Foundation has reached out to 180 women in the Bariga area of Lagos State, offering medical care, essential food items, as well as motivational and mental support.

The outreach, which took place at Bariga, witnessed a large turnout of beneficiaries, including pregnant women, single mothers, widows, divorcees, and elderly women who received medical check-ups and advice from experts in various local languages.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s founder, Ezinwa Damisa, disclosed that the outreach marked the organisation’s first official activity. She explained that the initiative was born out of the need to support economically marginalised women and provide them with a platform for empowerment.

She said with increased support and funding, the foundation intended to transition from one-off outreaches to regular skills acquisition programmes that would foster income generation and entrepreneurship.

Damisa also revealed that the foundation was established in honour of her late grandmother, a prominent women’s rights advocate, to preserve her legacy.

The foundation’s Programme Manager, Mr Adewale Abdul, highlighted the health challenges many women face in underserved communities. He pointed out that many of the beneficiaries lacked access to proper medical care and often relied on unsafe alternatives.

Abdul explained that health checks, including blood pressure and sugar level monitoring, were conducted, with basic medications and medical advice provided in local languages such as English, Yoruba, Pidgin, and Igbo.

Head of Protocol and Logistics, Afusat Ibrahim, also encouraged the women to build self-confidence and strive for emotional and financial independence. She urged them to prioritise personal empowerment, regardless of their relationship status.

The Baale of the Ilaje Community and Oba-elect of Bariga, High Chief Kayode Aiyetiwa, commended the foundation for selecting his community for the outreach and appreciated the support offered to the women.

Alhaja Fatimo Abdulfatah, who led the medical team, revealed that the majority of the women had high blood pressure and elevated sugar levels, which she linked to economic hardship and poor health habits.

She noted that participants were educated on managing their health with appropriate guidance and medication.

Beneficiaries such as Ms Ifeju Olowo and Ms Oluwayomi Farodoye expressed heartfelt gratitude organisers, describing the outreach as a beacon of hope during tough economic times.