Every woman deserves respectful, informed, and safe healthcare, and every child deserves a healthy start to life, regardless of where they live or give birth.

On January 22, 2026, the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in partnership with @weareleadfoundation LEAD Foundation, hosted the Birth Right Advocacy Program Workshop at Baale Hall, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos (Southwest Nigeria). The workshop brought together 57 participants, pregnant women, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), caregivers, health officials, and community leaders, all united around one goal: improving maternal and newborn health outcomes at the grassroots.

We recognize that TBAs are often the closest and most trusted caregivers for women in underserved communities. This workshop intentionally strengthened their capacity with practical knowledge on safe pregnancy, respectful maternity care, disability prevention, trauma management, and informed choice. To support their frontline work, birth attendance and delivery survival kits were distributed to all TBAs and caregivers, ensuring safer deliveries where formal healthcare access is limited.

Beyond training, the gathering became a space of shared stories, healing, dignity, and hope, reinforcing that when women are informed, supported, and respected, families thrive and communities grow stronger.

From body autonomy and respectful maternity care to disability prevention, trauma management, and informed choice, the day became more than a training; it became a reminder that when women are supported with dignity, communities heal and generations thrive.

This is what people-powered health advocacy looks like.

This is what community-led maternal health advocacy looks like. This is how change begins.

#MaternalHealth #SafeMotherhood #BirthRightAdvocacy #GenderJustice