In households across the globe, women especially military wives are often the invisible backbone—managing chores, caregiving, finances, emotional labor, and increasingly, professional responsibilities. They are the first to rise and the last to rest. Yet, when it comes to wellness—physical, mental, and emotional—these women are frequently left behind.
A growing number of initiatives are working to change that, amongst is the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) Health Talk which took place today, 4th July, 2025 at Armed Forces Officers Mess, Asokoro Abuja where more than 500 wives of military and police officers, were in attendance for a common goal to create a healthier, stronger, and more self-aware community of women.
Addressing participants, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa called for improved self-care and health consciousness among the spouses of military personnel.
“As military families, we are known for discipline, devotion, and duty. But often, in our service to others, we forget to serve our own bodies and minds. Today's health talk is a reminder that our well-being is not a luxury. It is a necessity. To serve others well, we must first be well-assessed.
“Health is not just the absence of illness, it is a complete state of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When a woman is healthy, a nation is stronger. This is why this event is more than a seminar.
"It is more than a health talk. It is a movement, a call to action, a declaration that we no longer neglect ourselves in the name of sacrifice.
I want you to be honest with yourself. Ask these questions. Am I sleeping enough? Am I eating right? Am I checking in? Not just on my children or spouse, but on my own body.,” she said.
She commended the strength, resilience, and quiet sacrifices of military wives, emphasising that personal well-being was not a luxury, but a necessity.
The DEPOWA President encouraged participants to reflect deeply on their habits and health choices, by sleeping enough, eating right and prioritise their physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
She reaffirmed the association’s evolving mission of service, adding that NAOWA was widening its lens to begin to serve its members with the same intentionality they give to others.
“When the wife is well, the home stands tall. Let today be the day you choose you. Your health is your greatest wealth,” she concluded.
A guest speaker, National Coordinator, Women Living with HIV/AIDS, Mrs Esther Attah, emphasised that HIV was a condition and not a death sentence, adding that a HIV positive person can live well and normal provided proper care is taken.
She said that health was the main limiting factor to being productive.
Attah urged the women to be concerned and deliberate about taking care of their physical, mental and emotional health as well as nutrition.
The highlight of the the event featured sessions on preventive care, early detection of diseases, menopause, nutrition, mental health, and debunking harmful health myths. Medical experts provided valuable insights and practical health tips aimed at empowering women to take proactive steps in safeguarding their well-being.
Spye TV news reports that new wellness movement emerges at the DEPOWA Health talk to address this silent crisis, community organizations, nonprofits, and wellness advocates are launching targeted wellness programs specifically for women who manage households. These programs often include: Mental health counseling, Group yoga and mindfulness sessions, Nutrition and self-care workshops, Mobile health check-up vans and; Safe spaces for women to connect and share.
