By Chioma Obinna
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Lagos State chapter, weekend honoured its elderly members and past leaders, even as it called for stronger mentorship structures and improved work-life balance for female doctors.
The event, tagged “An Evening With Our Elders,” held in Lekki Phase 1, brought together generations of female medical practitioners in a celebration of legacy, service and shared learning.
Speaking at the gathering, the President of MWAN Lagos, Dr Ime Maria Okon, said the association would continue to recognise the contributions of its elders, noting that many of them may feel isolated after leaving active service.
Her words: “We must not leave our elders behind. They have given so much to this association and to healthcare. At this stage, some may feel lonely, but we must continue to draw from their wealth of experience.”
Okon emphasised that mentorship remains a key priority for the association, particularly in supporting younger female doctors who must balance professional demands with family responsibilities.
“Mentorship is something we value in MWAN. We are pairing younger doctors with senior colleagues so they can learn, grow and also receive guidance on life beyond the hospital,” she said.
She stressed the need for female doctors to strike a balance between career and home, noting that many struggle with raising children while meeting workplace expectations.
“There is a need to achieve work-life balance, how to take care of children, manage school schedules and still meet professional expectations without being constantly scolded at work,” she added.
The event featured reflections from senior practitioners who shared experiences spanning decades, including accounts from members who began their careers in the early 1970s, underscoring the association’s long-standing tradition of service and resilience.
Nine distinguished past presidents and notable figures were in attendance, including Prof Ibironke Akinsete, Dr Dorothy Esangbedo, Dr Helen Boyo-Ekwueme, Prof Princess Campbell and Dr Tokunbo Dabiri, among others.
Highlight of the event was a dance session by elderly members, some aged between 70 and over 85, who thrilled guests and younger colleagues.
Participants described the gathering as inspiring, saying it reinforced the need for stronger intergenerational ties within the medical profession.
Okon, however, expressed appreciation to the elders for their mentorship and sacrifices.
“We thank them for their mentorship and pray that God keeps them healthy so that younger generations can continue to learn from their wealth of experience,” she said.
The event is part of MWAN Lagos’ guiding principle of “Leaving No One Behind,” aimed at strengthening bonds across generations and advancing the role of women in healthcare.
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