As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, experts have urged female journalists, particularly health reporters, to embrace self-care and lifestyle medicine to safeguard their physical and mental wellbeing.
The experts spoke during a webinar organized by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The programme, themed “Resilient Reporting: Mental Wellbeing for the Modern Female Journalist”, featured insightful contributions from seasoned professionals.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, a veteran journalist and former National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), spoke on the topic “Striking a Balance: Mental Health, Emotional Intelligence and Success in the Newsroom”.
The women and child rights advocate emphasized the importance of self-care habits, hobbies, and community engagement to maintain mental health while succeeding in the newsroom.
“When we talk about emotional health, women sometimes forget that they are the keepers of themselves,” she said.
“We can manage stress individually or as a group for better results if we practice self-care habits such as getting enough sleep, regular walking or stretching, and spending time with supportive groups like HEWAN.
“If we are physically and mentally healthy, it will reduce our stress, improve our general wellbeing, and help us balance work as women journalists,” she added.
Omowole also advised women to pay attention to their health as they approach menopause, noting that if not properly managed, it could significantly affect mental health.
“We can’t discuss mental health without addressing menopause, as many women in their 40s are already experiencing it.
“For some, menopause sets in quickly, and we need to take things easy and adjust to the changes that occur,” she said.
Dr Maymunah Kadiri, a Consultant Psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and coach, commended health reporters for changing narratives by bringing vital health information to the public over the years.
She noted that covering certain health stories can expose journalists to trauma, underscoring the need for self-compassion to balance work and personal life.
According to Kadiri, health journalists face three key psychological pressures: burnout, moral injury, and compassion fatigue.
“Health reporters are almost like doctors; they inform the public on health issues and report stories.
“Repeated exposure to traumatic stories can trigger mental health challenges, including elevated stress, emotional overload, and decision fatigue.
“They should practice self-compassion, identify stress management techniques that work for them, and remember that they are the messengers—not the burden bearers,” she said.
Dr Kadiri, who is also the MD/CEO of Pinnacle Medical Services Ltd. and spoke on the topic “The Invisible Cost of Telling Health Stories”, advised health journalists to always make time to relax and sleep after every assignment.
She stressed that lifestyle medicine is the way forward and urged all female journalists to incorporate it into their self-care routines.
Earlier, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, President of HEWAN, said the 2026 International Women’s Day theme serves as a clarion call for decisive action to dismantle systemic barriers that impede gender equality and justice.
She described women as the backbone of society despite the multifaceted challenges they face in the workplace and broader society.
Ihechu commended women in the media, especially HEWAN members, for their insightful reportage and tireless advocacy, which have been instrumental in shaping narratives and advancing the health sector over the years.
“I want to specially celebrate the extraordinary women in the media for their dedication, professionalism, and resilience.
“You are not just reporting the news; you are driving change against discriminatory laws, strengthening weak legal protections, and uprooting harmful social norms that erode the fundamental rights of women and girls.
“Women are the architects of our community’s progress.
“Their ability to balance sacred home responsibilities while excelling in demanding professional careers is a profound demonstration of strength and commitment,” she said.
She reaffirmed HEWAN’s unwavering commitment to supporting every woman in the association, amplifying their voices, recognizing their achievements, and promoting their professional advancement at every level.
