Lagos: In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, experts have urged female journalists, particularly those specializing in health reporting, to adopt self-care and lifestyle medicine practices to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. The insights were shared during a webinar organized by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) under the theme ‘Resilient Reporting: Mental Wellbeing for the Modern Female Journalists’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event featured Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, a veteran journalist and the Head of Lagos Operations for NAN, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health for female journalists to enhance their effectiveness. Omowole, a former National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), discussed the balance between mental health, emotional intelligence, and success in the newsroom. She stressed the significance of engaging in self-care practices, hobbies, and community involvement to achieve mental health balance and success in journalism.
Omowole highlighted that women need to be mindful of their health as they approach menopause, as it can impact mental wellbeing if not managed properly. She pointed out the necessity of adjusting to changes associated with menopause and incorporating self-care habits such as adequate sleep and regular physical activity to manage stress.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a consultant psychiatrist, noted the critical role health reporters play in informing the public and acknowledged the potential trauma they face due to exposure to distressing stories. She identified burnout, moral injury, and compassion fatigue as psychological pressures faced by health journalists and recommended self-compassion as a strategy to balance professional and personal life.
Kadiri advised health journalists to practice stress management techniques and remember that their role is to convey messages, not to bear the emotional burdens of the stories they report. She advocated for lifestyle medicine as an essential component of self-care for female journalists.
Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, President of HEWAN and Head of Health Desk at NAN Lagos, reiterated the importance of dismantling systemic barriers to justice and praised the contributions of women in media. She celebrated the dedication, professionalism, and resilience of female journalists and reaffirmed HEWAN’s commitment to supporting women in the association and promoting their professional advancement.