On the 8th of August, 2024, the Sustainable Development Goals for Her (SDGforHer) Initiative, in collaboration with Total Health Trust HMO, A Tangerine Company, and The Alternative Bank Food Bank Project, conducted a community outreach in Makoko, Lagos. This initiative aimed to provide essential health screenings and promote financial inclusion among women in the community. The outreach successfully served 200 women, offering them free health services, food, and drinks.

Event Objectives:

1)Provide free medical screenings to women in the Makoko community.

2)Raise awareness about women’s physical well-being, with a focus on breast cancer detection and prevention.

3)Educate women on financial inclusion and participation in financial systems.

4)Offer immediate assistance and referrals for women requiring urgent medical attention.

Partnerships and Collaborations:
The event was made possible through the collaboration of the following organizations:

1)Total Health Trust HMO, A Tangerine Company: Provided medical expertise and facilitated health screenings.

2)The Alternative Bank Food Bank Project: Supported the financial inclusion segment and provided food and drinks for participants.

Volunteer and Community Engagement:
The event was supported by 25 volunteers, including representatives from all three partner organizations. These volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event and maximizing its impact on the community.

Challenges Faced:
Initially, the outreach experienced low turnout and participation from the locals. However, through persistent efforts and engagement by the volunteers, the women of the community eventually turned out in large numbers to participate in the event.

Key Activities:

1)Health Talk: A medical doctor from Total Health Trust HMO delivered a health talk on the “Importance of Physical Well-being of Women.” The discussion focused on breast cancer, including practical steps for self-examination and recognizing early detection signs.

2)Financial Inclusion Session: Representatives from The Alternative Bank spoke to the women about financial inclusion, emphasizing the importance of their participation in financial systems. They also introduced various financial products that the women can access and leverage for their benefit.

3)Emergency Health Screenings and Referrals: Some women who underwent emergency health screenings were identified as needing immediate medical attention. These cases were promptly referred to the closest hospital for further examination and treatment, with costs covered by the SDGforHer Initiative.

Our Impact:

1)200 women received free health screenings, which included checks for vital signs, breast cancer awareness, and other health-related advice.

2)Awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection was significantly raised.

3)Financial inclusion discussions equipped women with the knowledge to engage more actively in financial systems, potentially improving their economic stability.

4)Immediate medical assistance was provided to women in need, ensuring they received the necessary care without delay.

The SDGforHer Community Outreach in Makoko was a significant success. The collaboration between SDGforHer, Total Health Trust HMO, and The Alternative Bank Food Bank Project enabled the event to deliver impactful health and financial education to women in the community. The event highlighted the importance of ongoing community engagement and the need to address the health and financial well-being of women in underserved areas. SDGforHer remains committed to supporting women and ensuring they have access to the resources and information necessary for their well-being and empowerment.