Why women should prioritise health – Experts

Gender advocates have emphasised the importance of health and wellness for mothers striving to balance their careers and family responsibilities.

The experts who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise at the inaugural Moms Conference and Exhibition 2024 organised by Mammy Nest, urged mothers to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams amid the challenges of motherhood.

The inaugural Mom’s Conference and Exhibition 2024, convened by media personality Dorcas Anani popularly known as Zibi Anani, brought together hundreds of mothers and experts to discuss the importance of balancing career goals with family responsibilities.

The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and exhibitions focused on empowering mothers to become better versions of themselves.

A certified mindset coach, Moufiq Abu said that neglecting mental and physical health could lead to burnout and hinder a mother’s ability to thrive in multiple roles.

While noting that implementing self-care strategies is vital for sustaining energy and productivity, Abu encouraged mothers to carve out time for self-care and seek support when needed, stressing that nurturing oneself is key to nurturing others.

She also advised mothers to leverage the skills and insights gained through parenting as powerful assets in their professional lives.

The Chief Executive Officer of Raiyan Inspires Consulting Limited stressed that motherhood should not be a barrier to professional growth.

“While it’s beautiful to be fully present at home, this can lead to challenges later on when mothers attempt to re-enter the workforce. The time spent away can diminish their confidence and competence, making it difficult to secure employment,” she stated.

Abu introduced an empowering framework using the acronym “AMBITION,” emphasising that motherhood equips women with the capacity to take action and problem-solve in challenging situations.

She added, “Every time your child cries, you must act, whether it is feeding them or changing a diaper. So, why not channel that proactive mindset into pursuing your own goals?

“Being a mother, you are a leader, you are the first lens your children use to see the world. You have certain insights and you have certain things you learn that even make you a better partner to your husband and also somebody that can influence society.

“I know motherhood gives you certain skills that you can monetise to increase your income. Motherhood also gives you certain skill sets to make you more influential in society

“The mindset of a mother is very problem-solving. You won’t say the child is crying or you need to find money for school fees, or you need to find a way through stuff, and you do not bother. You’re a mother. You have to find a way, so why not use that grit and that audacity? You have to be able to have that kind of mindset to be able to do the things that you need to do.”

On her part, the founder of Afro by Nature, Olaide Ademulegun, underscored the importance of nutrition and exercise in achieving overall wellness.

Ademulegun stressed that achieving balance is more about effective time management than the elusive concept of “balance” itself.

She shared her journey as a businesswoman and mother, illustrating how she has navigated the complexities of both roles.

“There is no perfect balance. What we need is to manage our time effectively and ensure that our passions align with our family commitments,” she noted.

She urged mothers to prioritise their ambitions and interests, cautioning against the tendency to set aside personal goals after marriage and children.

“In today’s society, women often forget about their dreams once they become mothers. But I encourage you to keep pursuing what you love. Your children will benefit from seeing you thrive and grow,” she concluded.

Speaking about the conference, the convener said it was aimed to inspire women to reclaim their identities while balancing the challenges of motherhood.

Anani shared her journey, reflecting on how motherhood can sometimes lead women to lose sight of their aspirations.

She stated, “Once you become a mother, it’s easy to drift away from your dreams.

“This platform is here to remind you that being a mother doesn’t mean you have to get lost.”

Anani emphasised the importance of harmonising motherhood with personal goals, allowing women to thrive as nurturers, professionals, and individuals.

The convener said the event featured a range of expert speakers from various fields, including business, finance, and entrepreneurship.

She explained the speakers would engage the over 400 attendees in panel discussions and workshops, providing practical tools and insights aimed at empowering mothers to embrace their potential.

Speaking further, Anani expressed excitement for future editions of the conference, revealing plans to expand the venue to accommodate the growing interest.

“We are aiming for even more participants next year, possibly moving to a larger space.

“This is just the beginning, and we want to create a lasting impact for mothers everywhere,” she noted.