By Yemi Shola, Bauchi
Sixty female sex workers have been sensitised on the negative effects of breast cancer and importance of regular handwashing by a Bauchi based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Imperial Women Initiative (IWI).
The sensitization was part of the commemoration of the 2025 World Breast Cancer Awareness Week and Global Handwashing Day, held at a location in Tudun Wada Dan Ìyá where they are residing and rendering their services.
The participants were also taken through the standard procedures of handwashing to enable them wash their hands properly the way it should be done.
Victoria B. Ayodele, Executive Director, Imperial Women Initiative (IWI), while speaking during the occasion, stated that “today’s event is not just about awareness-it is about inclusion, compassion, and dignity.
“We are gathered here among groups that society may sometimes overlook or stigmatize. But at Imperial Women Initiative (IWI), we believe that no one should be left behind when it comes to health, protection, and well-being. We are not here to judge, but to stand together as one community, supporting one another in love and respect.”
According to her: “Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women, yet early detection can save lives. Handwashing, a simple act, can prevent infections and protect our health daily. Both actions remind us that prevention is power and caring for our bodies is an act of strength, not shame.”
Victoria Ayodele stressed that “our goal today is to empower every woman regardless of background or circumstance, to take charge of her health. Together, we can build communities where every woman is valued, protected, and supported.
“At the end of this awareness session, we invite anyone who wishes to check their blood pressure, receive counseling, or get referrals for further health care to kindly meet with our team. Let us continue to raise our voices, wash our hands, check our health, and starid for one another-because every woman’s life matters.”
She commended all the board members of the organisation for their support in ensuring that the activities were successfully organised and executed.
Health workers later talked the women on how to effectively take care of their breasts which are vital to their existence so that they can know when cancer is gradually building up to enable them go for precautions and early treatment.
Some of the participants thanked the NGO for coming to them in spite of their way of life saying that they had thought that the society had written them off.
The activity was held by community partners medical personnel, Imperial Women’s Initiative Team and media as they came together to educate community members and empower vulnerable groups, including the female sex workers.
Breast cancer self-examination demonstrations, and health checks were conducted, emphasizing the importance of early detection, and management just as hand washing demonstrations were also conducted to promote good hygiene practices.
