Women Living with Mental Health Conditions Empowered with Tools at OAUTHC

Women living with mental health conditions have received essential tools to help rebuild their lives, following a study on women’s heightened vulnerability to sexual abuse. The initiative, spearheaded by Mental Health-PAL (MHEALTH-PAL) in conjunction with the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA), focuses on psychosocial rehabilitation and economic empowerment of women with mental health challenges in Nigeria.

The economic empowerment program, held at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), provided beneficiaries with laptop, sewing machine, and hairdressing starter kit items that can help them start small businesses and achieve financial independence. This effort builds on an earlier survey conducted by CARTA and MHEALTH-PAL in partnership with OAUTHC nursing and health records staff, on the prevalence of sexual abuse among women with mental health conditions.

Dr. Akinjide Ogundokun, Phase 1 Physician-in-Charge, who represented the Chief Medical Director, expressed appreciation to CARTA for its consistent support for mental health care at OAUTHC. He noted that the gesture reflects a deep commitment to improving patient well-being beyond clinical treatment.

CARTA’s local mentor, Prof. Adekemi Olowokere, urged caregivers to remain steadfast in supporting patients and to fight against stigmatization. Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Oladokun of the Department of Nursing, a key member of the research team, called on families to ensure beneficiaries return for follow-up care and to guide them in building their businesses. She assured participants of ongoing monitoring from the project team to ensure success.

The Head of the Mental Health Department, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, described CARTA as a valued partner and reiterated the department’s commitment to working with them, urging the institution to maintain its collaboration the department.