Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) stands as a powerful global reminder to celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of women. In 2026, under the inspiring theme “Give to Gain,” the Kiitan Foundation Osun took a bold step toward advancing women’s health by focusing on a critical yet often overlooked phase of life; ‘perimenopause‘.
On March 14, 2026, Kiitan Foundation hosted an intimate yet transformative health session in Ede, Osun State, reaching over 45 women, with a core focus on 30 participants navigating the perimenopausal stage, commonly referred to as the “second puberty.”
This initiative aimed to:
- Increase awareness about perimenopause and menopause
- Provide practical health and nutrition strategies
- Create a safe space for open conversations about women’s health
Creating Safe Spaces: The Honest Conversations About Women’s Bodies
The session opened with a powerful reflective question:
“What is something your body could once do that it can no longer do?”
This simple prompt unlocked deeply emotional and honest conversations. Women shared real-life challenges, including:
- Difficulty performing daily religious practices due to chronic back pain
- Increased fatigue from routine activities like standing and bending at work
These stories highlighted a critical reality: many women silently struggle through perimenopause without adequate information or support.
Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-Menopause
Session 1: Expert Insights by Haleemah Bhadmus
Haleemah Bhadmus led an engaging discussion on the three stages of the menopausal journey:
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Post-menopause
She emphasized that perimenopause can last up to 10 years, yet remains widely misunderstood and rarely discussed in many communities.
Key takeaways included:
- Normalizing symptoms like mood swings, irregular cycles, and fatigue
- Identifying critical health red flags that require immediate medical attention
- Encouraging early health-seeking behavior among women
Nutrition and Fitness for Women Over 40
Session 2: Practical Wellness by Khadijat Salami
The second session focused on nutrition and physical wellness during perimenopause, with emphasis on maintaining bone density and hormonal balance.
Khadijat highlighted affordable, locally available superfoods such as:
- Ugwu (fluted pumpkin leaves)
- Okra
- Groundnuts
- Oats
Participants also learned low-impact exercises and Pilates-inspired movements that can be easily done at home to support:
- Joint health
- Flexibility
- Overall physical strength
Free Medical Outreach: Investing in Women’s Health
Aligned with the sub-theme “Invest in her health, invest in her future,” the event included a community health outreach targeted at women.
Key interventions:
- Vitals Screening:
Over 45 women received blood pressure and blood sugar checks - Nutritional Support:
The primary group of 30 women received:- Cooked rice with beef and water
- Dissolvable calcium supplements for long-term bone health
This holistic approach combined education, nutrition, and preventive healthcare, making the intervention both impactful and sustainable.
Challenges and Key Lessons Learned
1. Overwhelming Community Demand
Mobilization efforts through local mosques and neighborhood outreach exceeded expectations. Attendance surpassed planned capacity—clear evidence of a huge unmet need for women’s health and its education in Ede, Osun state.
2. Diverse Audience Needs
About 10 additional women in the post-menopausal stage attended. While not the primary target group, they were still included in:
- Health screenings
- Vitals checks
This highlighted the importance of designing inclusive health programs that address multiple life stages.
A Step Forward for Women’s Health in Osun State
The 2026 International Women’s Day initiative by Kiitan Foundation proved that targeted health education can transform lives.
By addressing the “silent transition” of perimenopause, the Foundation:
- Replaced confusion with knowledge
- Fostered community support
- Encouraged proactive health management
Why This Matters
The strong turnout sends a clear message:
“Women in Ede are eager for health knowledge, support systems, and accessible care.”
Looking Ahead: Building Healthier Communities That Includes Women of All Age Groups
The success of this initiative provides a roadmap for future programs focused on:
- Preventive healthcare
- Community-based health education
- Local, affordable nutrition solutions
By investing in women’s health today, Kiitan Foundation is actively:
- Strengthening families
- Empowering communities
- Securing a healthier future for generations to come
Our Final Thoughts
Empowering women through health is not just an act of service, it is a long-term investment in our society.
As Kiitan Foundation continues its mission, one thing is clear:
When women are informed, supported, and healthy, the entire communities thrive.
See photos from the event below:
