By Lamin Bangura
Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) women have reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s health and wellness by organizing a one-day ‘Holistic Health Seminar’ under the theme: “OSL Women Well-being.” The event brought together medical professionals, corporate leaders, and women from diverse sectors to address pressing health challenges and promote resilience among Sierra Leonean women.
Opening the seminar, OSL Women President Priscilla Okechukwu stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where women can openly discuss health challenges, particularly mental health and stress management. “Women need to understand their bodies and prioritize their well-being. This platform allows us to engage, learn, and support each other,” she said.
Agnes Songa, human resources director, emphasized the role of organizations in supporting women’s wellness. She noted that women balance multiple responsibilities as professionals, caregivers, and parents, and urged them to remain visible in the workforce by upholding strong values while avoiding complacency. “A healthy and supportive workplace is the foundation for women to thrive,” she remarked.
The seminar featured expert-led sessions on fibroids, maternal health, mental wellness, and workplace stress.
Dr. Rosetta Cole explained that fibroids – a non-cancerous tumors prevalent among African women – often go untreated unless symptomatic. She highlighted the importance of early diagnosis through ultrasound and discussed management options tailored to women’s reproductive health.
Dr. Patricia Bah, chief nursing officer at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, highlighted government initiatives to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to reproductive health services. She said non-communicable diseases such as fibroids have now been integrated into the national reproductive health strategy. She reaffirmed the ministry’s ongoing efforts to pass the Mental Health Bill, calling it a crucial step in safeguarding women’s psychological well-being.
Dr. Melvina Thompson addressed the rising toll of workplace stress and its link to conditions like hypertension and diabetes. She outlined strategies for resilience, including exercise, adequate rest, and strong social support systems, noting that women’s well-being extends beyond physical health to encompass emotional, social, and workplace factors.
The corporate sector was also represented. A spokesperson from Palanie and Sons Pharmaceuticals spoke about the company’s mission to deliver affordable medicines and services nationwide, including expansion plans to improve accessibility.
The event, moderated by Georgina Vincent, legal and compliance manager at Orange Money Finance Sierra Leone, concluded with a call for greater collaboration between government, corporate bodies, and communities.
By spotlighting both physical and mental health, Orange Sierra Leone Women’s seminar positioned wellness as a shared responsibility and urged collective action to ensure that women across the country live healthier, more productive lives.
