Abuja: Dr Adetoun Dally, Immediate Past President of Women Community in Africa and Founder of Children Impact and Development Initiative, has urged greater autonomy for women in making critical health decisions. She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, stressing that women’s independence should include decisions affecting their health and lives.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dally emphasized that women should be empowered to make informed choices about their health, particularly during emergencies when delays could have serious consequences. She argued that reliance on others for medical interventions can be detrimental in critical situations.
Dally identified childbirth as a crucial area where timely decision-making is necessary, warning that delays could expose women to avoidable health risks. She advocated for improved access to education and health information to enable women to understand their options and actively participate in decisions affecting their wellbeing.
The advocate highlighted the importance of starting empowerment initiatives with the girl-child through quality education, skills acquisition, and opportunities to pursue aspirations. She expressed that empowered girls would grow into women capable of making informed decisions and contributing positively to their families and communities.
Dally cautioned against interpreting women’s empowerment as a rejection of cultural and societal values, emphasizing that culture should not override the rights and existence of either men or women. She stated that women’s freedom should coexist with dignity, modesty, and responsible behavior.
Furthermore, Dally argued that women’s independence should not be perceived as competition with men but as an opportunity for women to contribute more effectively to society. She called on stakeholders to create an environment where women can make decisions that enhance their lives, pursue their ambitions, and contribute to national development.