Women’s Health And Wellness Conference, 2024

The Directorate of Gender Equity and Diversity in collaboration with the UoE Health department held the first ever one day Women’s Health and Wellness Conference at University of Eldoret. This is a great milestone for University of Eldoret in supporting women’s health concerns that are often overlooked by employers.

The theme of the conference was “Choose to challenge; to put yourself first”. This theme was deliberately chosen for this event because more often than not, women prioritize care for others and often neglect their own health. Prof. Judith Makwali praised the university for supporting the gender agenda and sponsoring the full day conference that featured a team of health experts and eminence women speakers addressing women’s health issues, and provided an opportunity for women to gain medical education and health screening for medical conditions, including health fitness assessment. She further affirmed that University of Eldoret is very supportive and proactive on women’s health. She said that the conference was part of the initiatives of the directorate of Gender Equity and Diversity in empowering women at the workplace. One of the ways to empower women and men alike is to assure that their health and wellness are taken care of, thus this occasion. This event focused on uplifting women. Dr. Silvia Barasa encouraged women to put their health first and embrace health seeking behaviors. She advised women to prioritize their personal health, with utmost care and attention to ensure a brighter future for all of us.

The conference was attended by the Director Gender Equity and Diversity, Prof. Judith Makwali, The University’s Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Silvia Barasa, and University of Eldoret women staff. The health experts included Dr. Esther Wanjama, a paediatrician; Dr. Susan Matetai, a gynaecologist; Ms. Gloria Watila, medical physicists, Ms. Lily Okeyo, Psychologist, and Ms. Maria Ndung’u, a fitness coach. Health screening was conducted by a team of health experts from the following hospitals; Eldoret Hospital, Lifecare Hospital, Oak Tree Hospital, Fountain Hospital, Reale Hospital, and AMPATH. Mobile screening clinics were set up at the School of Business parking lot to offer free screening for lifestyle diseases and cancers (breast and cervical). Benefits of screening were outlined and it was pointed out that cancer is curable if diagnosis is done early at curable stages; once symptoms set in, it may be too late. Cross-fit 254 carried out fitness assessment and counselling on individual fitness plans.

Dr. Esther Wanjama, the lead doctor of Eminence women led the team of experts through the various health expert talks. Various topics were discussed and it was established that women have complex and varying health concerns that will manifest throughout their working lives including fertility and IVF treatment, pregnancy, Menstrual cycle and period disorders, and menopause issues. Many women will experience miscarriage or baby loss, and 1 in 7 will develop breast cancer. Women were advised to adopt self-care practices. It was noted that gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, and menstrual health can have a major impact on women in the workplace. Women are also more likely to experience stress and anxiety than their male counterparts at work. It was noted that there are health impacts linked to violence against women and girls.

It is estimated that almost a third of women leave the workforce before retirement age due to health, which can culminate in huge cost implications for employers. It’s time for employers to take steps to ensure that female workers are supported. It is imperative that women’s health should be incorporated into proactive employee health, mental health, and well-being strategies. Resources should be set aside for women’s health.

The following key areas were discussed in detail with each of the invited health experts addressing each topic.