Award-winning actress, producer, and advocate Adesua Etomi-Wellington is using her platform to spotlight one of the most pressing issues of our time, women’s access to healthcare, education, and family planning.
In a stirring message, Adesua reflected on her journey as a storyteller and mother, emphasizing that her advocacy goes beyond fame or film.
“I always dreamed of telling stories that mattered. Acting gave me the platform to do that. But beyond the screen, I’ve seen the silent struggles that women face every day, the fight for access to healthcare, education, and the right to make decisions about their own bodies and their families,” she said.
Her statement comes amid growing global concern over maternal health and reproductive access in developing countries. As a mother, she said the reality hit closer to home: “If I, with access and support, still face challenges navigating healthcare and motherhood, what about the millions of women without those privileges?”
Adesua described “the empty seat” as a symbol, representing the countless women missing from classrooms, boardrooms, and leadership spaces because of inadequate care and limited choices.
“When we invest in women, we’re not just changing one life — we’re shaping families, communities, and generations,” she said.
Her closing words were a rallying cry for policymakers and private stakeholders: “Together, we rise. Let’s champion women’s health. Let’s shift the needle. Fund family planning.”
As Nigeria continues to battle high maternal mortality and gaps in women’s healthcare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington’s call to action reminds the world that true progress begins when women are empowered to live, lead, and thrive.
