Lilian Brown Foundation Founder, Abuyere, Others Advocate Adequate Empowerment of Women

The Founder of Lilian Brown Foundation, Mrs. Lilian Elvis Abuyere, has called for intensified efforts toward the empowerment of women as a critical pathway to improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable development across communities.

Mrs. Abuyere made the call in Abuja at a town hall meeting themed “Empowering Women’s Mental Capacity and Sustainable Livelihood,” which brought together women from diverse backgrounds to explore strategies for self-reliance, economic inclusion, and holistic well-being.

Speaking at the event, she emphasised that empowering women goes beyond economic support and must include strengthening their mental capacity, enhancing access to opportunities, and promoting inclusive systems that enable them to thrive.

According to her, women continue to face deep-rooted and social barriers that undermine their productivity and quality of life, noting that challenges such as domestic issues, cultural practices, and reduced access to resources affect their ability to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.

“Women encounter various mental health challenges due to factors such as domestic violence, reproductive health issues, and societal expectations. These are further compounded by stigma, which discourages open conversations and access to support systems,” she said.

Mrs. Abuyere stressed that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates mental health awareness with livelihood support initiatives.

She advocated practical strategies such as skills acquisition, mentorship programmes, and access to sustainable income opportunities, alongside promoting self-care practices and emotional well-being.

She explained that the Lilian Brown Foundation was established to bridge gaps in access to education, advocacy, and empowerment programmes for women, girls, and vulnerable groups, with a focus on building resilient and self-sufficient communities.

In a keynote address, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Israel, Ambassador Nkechi Ufochukwu, highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health as a foundation for women’s productivity and societal contribution.

She noted that women play central roles in family and nation-building, and must be supported to maintain psychological and emotional balance.

Also speaking, Ghanaian health awareness advocate, Cessey Aggrey, highlighted the link between environmental practices and women’s health, urging participants to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, including organic nutrition and sustainable living practices, particularly in rural communities where environmental hazards remain prevalent.

Panel discussions at the event focused on practical pathways to improving women’s livelihoods, including overcoming self-doubt, fostering personal growth, and managing stress effectively. Panelists, including Amb. Grace Ayoola, Didi Nwala, and Mrs. Deborah Ogbe, collectively emphasized that mental wellness is fundamental to achieving economic independence and a better standard of living.

President at the meeting include Princess Edna Azura, President of the National Council of Women Society (NCWS), representatives of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key stakeholders.