Osun NAWOJ Emphasise Breastfeeding As Foundation Of Healthy Future For Babies, Pats Nursing Mothers
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Osun State chapter, joined global voices to commemorate the year World Breastfeeding Week, as it places emphasis on breastfeeding as the foundation of healthy future for babies.
In a release signed by the Chairperson Comrade Abisola Ariwodola and Secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi, the association patted nursing mothers for good job in breastfeeding their babies, while stating that the annual week commemoration is a significant opportunity to spotlight the irreplaceable role of breastfeeding in laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation.
Osun NAWOJ also used the medium to advocate for deliberate policy actions and widespread community sensitisation to support nursing mothers, especially in the workplace and informal sectors.
The female journalists association reiterated its commitment in amplifying women’s voices and promoting maternal and child health, describing it as a societal duty, with scientific evidence and global health authorities, including WHO and UNICEF, acknowledging promotion of breastfeeding as a needed action more than personal responsibility.
NAWOJ placed emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months for babies, stating that it reduces infant mortality, strengthens immunity, and promotes optimal development.
According to the release, many women face significant barriers including lack of maternity leave, unsafe work environments, inadequate lactation rooms, and societal stigma all of which hinder their ability to successfully breastfeed, and our society must rise to remove these systemic hurdles, as It is high time to push for breastfeeding friendly policies in all sectors, particularly in media houses, markets, offices, and public institutions.
The association also calls on the Osun State Government and other stakeholders to invest in maternity protection, enforce existing labour laws that support nursing mothers, and build a sustainable support system for working parents. “Breastfeeding is not just a woman’s issue it is a public health imperative and a collective societal investment in the future.”
As we mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, Osun NAWOJ points out that “Women must not be forced to choose between their careers and the health of their babies”, let us all lend our voices, platforms, and influence to support, protect, and promote breastfeeding in every corner of the state and the nation – the statement concluded.