Working-class women have called on the government to implement policies that promote work-life balance and improve their overall well-being.
Rising Pressure on Women
Speaking with reporters on Sunday in Abuja, the women said rigid work schedules, limited access to healthcare, rising inflation, and increasing family responsibilities were taking a toll on them.
Call for Flexible Work, Affordable Healthcare
They advocated easier access to affordable healthcare services, reduced costs, and more flexible working arrangements to help them manage both professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
Workload Limits Self-Care
Mrs. Fatima Adamu, headmistress of L.E.A Primary School, Wuse II Zone 3, Abuja, said her workload left her with little time for personal medical care.
She said she only visited the hospital when she felt ill or experienced alarming symptoms, noting that preventive care was often neglected due to time constraints.
“If the government can implement a policy allowing free access to healthcare services in workplaces during the first week of every month, it would make a difference,” she said.
Adamu added that remote work options or flexible hours would help women remain productive without experiencing burnout.
She also commended the extension of maternity leave to about four months, describing it as a positive step toward supporting working mothers.
Balancing Work and Childcare
Similarly, a banker at a GTB branch in Kubwa, who pleaded anonymity, said balancing work, childcare, and personal health had become increasingly challenging.
“We would appreciate it if the government reinforces remote work and hybrid models, as seen during the pandemic,” she said.
Healthy Living Becoming Costly
Mrs. Aisha Yakubu, a receptionist at Aleb Pharmaceuticals, Minna, said maintaining a healthy diet had become difficult due to the rising cost of living.
She noted that many families were forced to sacrifice nutritional balance for affordability, which could negatively affect productivity and quality of life.
Need for Affordable Nutrition
Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, a matron at Al-Mabroor Health Services, said there was a need for practical and affordable healthy eating options for families.
“A healthy life does not have to be expensive. Buying seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm produce can help families maintain a balanced diet,” she said.
However, she added that even seasonal foods had become expensive, forcing families to prioritize quantity over quality.
She called on the government to reduce food prices to enable workers maintain balanced and nutritious diets.
Health Risks of Stress
Dr. Yusuf Ahmadi, a radiologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, said irregular eating habits, lack of sleep, and prolonged stress were common among working women.
He warned that such habits could lead to conditions like hypertension, heart disease, weakened immunity, depression, and other chronic illnesses.
“If women reduce work overload, rest well, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly, it becomes easier to balance work and maintain a healthy life,” he said.
