Foundation Trains Over 100 Women on Trauma Recovery in Igbogbo-Baiyeku
By Emmanuel Daniji
No fewer than 100 women across Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA gathered on February 21 for a mental health workshop organised by the Giving for Living Foundation, themed “Safeguarding Your Well-Being After a Traumatic Experience.”
The programme, held in Elepe and its environs, focused on equipping women with practical strategies to cope with and recover from traumatic experiences while prioritising their mental and emotional health.
Participants, drawn from various communities, engaged in interactive sessions that addressed trauma triggers, stress management and the importance of building reliable support systems within families and neighbourhoods. The workshop provided a safe space for widows, single mothers and women who have experienced domestic abuse and other distressing life events to openly share their stories.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Director of the foundation, Reverend Mrs. Ebunoluwatoyin Idowu, said the organisation was established to stand by women and young girls during difficult times and help them rebuild their lives.
She explained that beyond counselling and emotional support, the foundation assists women without stable sources of livelihood, particularly those whose children are out of school due to financial challenges. According to her, financial support and small-scale business start-up assistance provided by the foundation have helped many women regain economic stability, enabling several children to return to school.
“God has put smiles on the faces of many in this community whose stories have changed,” she said, stressing that empowering women remains central to the foundation’s vision.
Reverend Idowu also called for stronger collaboration between non-governmental organisations and government institutions to address the growing needs of vulnerable groups, adding that hope remains alive for women who may still be struggling in silence.
The guest speaker, Mrs. Motunrayo Odunmuyiwa, a consultant to organisations focused on vulnerable women and children, delivered a detailed session on understanding trauma and safeguarding well-being. She described trauma as a deeply distressing experience that can leave individuals in a prolonged state of emotional “danger mode,” affecting their overall health and daily functioning.
She emphasised the importance of taking deliberate steps toward healing. “It is important that we safeguard our well-being so that we can heal — not just survive, but thrive,” she stated.
Mrs. Odunmuyiwa highlighted practical actions such as prioritising safety, practising self-care, avoiding negative self-talk and refusing to dwell excessively on painful experiences. She added that follow-up evaluations would be conducted in the coming months to assess the impact of the workshop and determine the need for additional sessions.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from beneficiaries. Mrs. Laura Glory, a single mother, recounted years of emotional struggles and self-doubt but described the workshop as a turning point that helped her rebuild confidence and strengthen her faith.
“I have learned that we should stop overthinking and encourage ourselves. Even in trauma, we must not use negative words against ourselves,” she said.
Another participant, Mrs. Eddie Abigail, shared that the session gave her clarity on how to confront painful experiences with courage and resilience. She expressed determination not to allow past trauma to define her future.
Many attendees commended the foundation for bringing the initiative to Elepe, describing the workshop as enlightening and empowering. The programme concluded with a renewed call for sustained community engagement and continued support for women facing emotional and psychological challenges, alongside the distribution of relief materials to beneficiaries.
