Mrs Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, has attributed the rising cases of domestic violence in Nigerian homes to economic hardship facing the country.
Speaking at the Anambra Women's Health Summit organized to commemorate this year's women's August meeting, Mrs Soludo emphasized that gender-based violence affects both men and women in different ways.
"I think the level of violence in homes today is fuelled by hardship. Gender-based violence is not just about men beating their wives, but some women beat men too. It could be through the way you talk to your husband," she stated.
The First Lady advised women to be strategic in their communication during tense moments, noting that timing is crucial when addressing sensitive issues in the home.
"There is hardship in the land we all know, men and women are feeling it equally, but I want to advise you to talk less, respect your husbands and carry yourself well before them. The way you talk carelessly can lead a hot tempered man to hit you. So you must know when to talk," Mrs Soludo counseled.
Advocacy for Exclusive Breastfeeding
Beyond addressing domestic harmony, Mrs Soludo also championed exclusive breastfeeding as a critical health intervention for infants. She described breastfeeding as "the greatest gift you can ever give your child" and urged grandmothers to support their daughters in this practice.
"Let me tell you, the natural breast milk provided by God is better than the animal milk you buy that are processed with things you do not know about," she emphasized, highlighting the nutritional and immunity benefits of breast milk, particularly colostrum.
The First Lady, who is the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, also stressed the importance of immunization, particularly for the ongoing measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine to 14 years.
Health Experts Highlight Concerns
The summit, which is the third since Professor Chukwuma Soludo became governor, featured various health experts who educated participants on women's sexual and reproductive health, immunization programs, and women's political participation.
Dr. Winifred Uzoamaka Onodu, Measles and Rubella Diseases Programmes Officer for UNICEF and WHO in Anambra State, revealed that the state has a high rate of measles and rubella cases, urging maximum participation in the forthcoming vaccination exercise.
Mrs Soludo reaffirmed that the state government prioritizes women's health, which is why she consistently advocates for healthy diets, regular exercise, and the cultivation of family gardens.
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