International Women’s Day 2025 is here, and like clockwork, the familiar cycle begins again: men sitting on panels discussing women’s issues, outdated debates in the Senate about rights that should have been settled long ago, and brands posting flowery messages while doing little to drive real change.
But for Nigerian women, the reality is different. Every day is a fight for autonomy—over our bodies, our choices, and our futures. That’s why, instead of just joining the chorus of messages celebrating women, at Clafiya, we are choosing to focus on something tangible: health.
This year’s Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, is a call to do more than talk. It is about giving women the tools to take control of their lives, and one of the most fundamental ways to do that is through health.
Health is not just about avoiding sickness; it is about making informed decisions that allow you to live fully. Whether it’s reproductive health, mental wellness, or financial planning for medical emergencies, prioritizing your health is an act of empowerment. So today, let’s go beyond the slogans and focus on practical steps you can take to put your health first.
10 powerful ways to prioritize your health as a Nigerian woman on International Women’s Day 2025
1. Make preventive healthcare a habit
For many Nigerian women, seeing a doctor only happens when there’s a problem. But preventive healthcare is what keeps you from getting to that point in the first place. Regular check-ups help detect issues before they become major. From cervical cancer screenings to routine blood pressure checks, investing in prevention is investing in your future.
2. Take charge of your reproductive health
Whether you’re considering pregnancy, preventing it, or managing menstrual health, having control over your reproductive health is essential. Yet, many Nigerian women either don’t have access to reliable information or feel pressured into choices that do not align with their personal goals.
Ask questions, research your options, and choose what works best for you. If you’re sexually active, consider regular STI screenings. If you’re thinking about starting a family, understand your fertility health. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to your body, you deserve to have all the power.
3. Eat for health, not just hunger
Food is more than just something to fill your stomach. It’s fuel for your body, and the quality of what you eat directly affects your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Nigerian diets can be incredibly nutritious, but the key is balance.
Prioritize whole foods. Eat more fibre-rich meals, reduce highly processed foods, and ensure you’re getting enough protein and healthy fats. And if you’re always on the move, look for convenient but healthy options that fit into your lifestyle.
4. Move your body in ways that you enjoy
Exercise should not feel like punishment. You don’t have to run marathons or spend hours in the gym to stay active. What matters is consistency and choosing a form of movement that you genuinely enjoy.
Dancing, brisk walking, home workouts, or even taking the stairs more often can make a difference. Find what works for you and make movement a regular part of your day.
5. Prioritize mental health like you would physical health
The pressures on Nigerian women are immense—family expectations, societal judgment, career demands, and personal aspirations all weigh heavily. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often gets ignored.
Recognize stress triggers and learn healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re struggling, talk to someone. Therapy is important. So is taking breaks, saying no, and prioritizing yourself without guilt.
6. Protect your sleep
In a world that glorifies overworking, rest is resistance. Sleep is non-negotiable if you want to function at your best. Poor sleep leads to weakened immunity, low energy, and long-term health issues.
Create a night routine that helps you unwind. Keep your bedroom free from distractions, limit screen time before bed, and aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep. Your body and mind will thank you.
7. Drink more water
You hear this all the time and we will continue saying it. Drink more water. Hydration affects everything—from digestion to brain function to skin health. If you struggle with this, carry a water bottle with you, infuse your water with fruits for taste, and make hydration a habit. Your body needs it more than you realize.
8. Be mindful of what you put on your skin
The Nigerian skincare industry is booming, but not all products are safe. From harsh chemicals in bleaching creams to undisclosed ingredients in “organic” products, skincare can be a minefield.
Educate yourself about the ingredients in your products. Choose reputable brands, and when in doubt, consult a dermatologist. Your skin is an organ, and what you put on it matters just as much as what you put in your body.
9. Build a strong support system
Health isn’t just about what you do alone; it’s also about the environment you create. Surround yourself with people who support your well-being. Whether it’s a community of women encouraging each other to exercise, a safe space to discuss health concerns, or simply friends who uplift you, your social connections matter.
Don’t hesitate to set boundaries with people who drain you. Protecting your peace is part of protecting your health.
10. Save for your health
Emergencies happen. Medical costs can be high. And while health insurance is an option for some, it’s not always reliable or enough. One of the best ways to prioritize your health is to have a financial cushion specifically for medical needs.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) helps you set aside funds exclusively for healthcare expenses, so when the need arises, you’re not caught unprepared. With Clafiya’s HSA, you get:
- 10% interest on your savings, so your money grows while you plan for your health.
- Up to 40% discounts on our Health & Wellness Hub, covering everything from hospital visits, lab tests, and pharmacy purchases to spas, gyms, mental health care, and skincare—making it easier to invest in your well-being.
- Instant access to funds whenever you need care, ensuring you never have to delay important health decisions.
On this International Women’s Day 2025, let’s make a real commitment. Not just to celebrate, but to take action. Your health is your power, and prioritizing it is one of the most effective ways to accelerate the change we all want to see.
Start by taking control of your health decisions today. Open a Health Savings Account with Clafiya, so you always have funds ready for your health and wellness needs with a 10% interest rate and up to 40% discounts on health essentials.
To get started, create an account at hsa.clafiya.com or message us on WhatsApp.
Because taking care of yourself isn’t just self-care; it’s a revolution.
