The Osun government on Monday sensitised market women across major markets in Osogbo, the state capital, to reproductive health and self-worth in commemoration of International Women’s Day.

A team from the Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Board visited the Olaiya, Okafia, and Alekunwodo markets to educate women on the importance of their role in society and the need to prioritise their reproductive health.

Female and male condoms were distributed during the sensitisation programme.

Speaking during the programme, the state family planning coordinator, Ololade Abatan, said the awareness campaign aimed to help women understand their worth and rights in society.

Ms Abatan said that although women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive rights, are documented, they are often not fully implemented.

“The essence of this awareness is to let our women know that they have rights and that they should seek justice to ensure those rights are implemented.

“Majorly, we are talking about sexual and reproductive rights and, more importantly, family planning. You know family planning allows a woman to remain in good health,” she said.

Also speaking, the adolescent desk officer of the Osun Primary Healthcare Board, Roseline Akinlabi, said the programme was designed to sensitise women and girls about their rights.

Ms Akinlabi said that in line with the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, “Give to Gain,” women must be given opportunities to make the right choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

She added that girls should not be deprived of their rights, stressing the need to end female genital mutilation.

“So we are using this opportunity to sensitise men to support women and girls.

“We also want women to see themselves as important members of the community and to recognise that they have rights over their sexual and reproductive health,” she said.

Similarly, the Osun reproductive health coordinator, Tolulope Agboire, said there was a need to empower women and girls in society.

Ms Agboire said that, in line with the celebration’s theme, something must be given before meaningful results can be achieved.

“In essence, we need to empower our women and girls. We need to take care of them. If you educate the girl-child, you will gain in the future.

“Let us not marginalise our women and girls,” she said.

The programme was supported by Marie Stopes Nigeria (MSN), OYAWIN, and The Challenge Initiative (TCI), among others.

(NAN)