A consultant gynecologist, Dr. Fatimat Rabiu, has dispelled the common misconception that infertility is solely a woman’s issue, calling on society to embrace a more balanced and inclusive understanding of the condition.
Speaking at the 6th edition of the Muslimah Health Forum 6.0 held in Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday, Dr. Rabiu emphasised that no woman is born barren, noting that infertility is often a shared concern between partners.
Muslim News gathered that the forum, themed “Breaking the Cycle: Reclaiming Hormone Health & Hope”, was organised by Bountiis, a leading NGO focused on women’s health and empowerment.
It drew a large attendance of Muslim women from across the state, filling the Arcade Hall of Eko Club, Surulere, to the capacity.
The event featured free health screenings, interactive group chats, onsite spa and gym services, as well as expert sessions on hormone health, mental well-being, and the emotional toll of delayed conception.
Citing global health statistics, Dr. Rabiu explained, “Thirty percent of infertility cases are attributed to male-related factors, another thirty percent to female factors, another thirty percent to both partners, while the remaining ten percent are unexplained.”
She lamented the undue pressure women face, saying, “In many cases, the woman is presumed to be the cause once a couple struggles to conceive. But the truth is — it takes two. Infertility should not be viewed as a woman’s burden alone.”
Dr. Rabiu urged couples to seek diagnosis and treatment together, adding that shared responsibility and early medical intervention cannot only improve outcomes but also reduce the stigma that women face in society.
She also emphasized the importance of shared responsibility between couples, urging husbands to accompany their wives for medical checkups, especially when facing challenges with conception.
Dr. Rabiu reiterated that “healing within” begins when women release societal pressures placed on them, both spiritually and mentally. She noted, “The woman often feels compelled to take the blame because society has conditioned her to always take responsibility. But the reality is that infertility is a shared issue—it takes two to tangle.”
The health expert added that stigmatization of women, or couples facing infertility, must end. “The man can be the cause, just as much as the woman. Infertility cannot and should not be narrowed down to the female gender alone.”
Empowering women through health education and informed choices
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Head of Logistics, Bountiis, Mrs. Kudirat Adeshina, said the seminar was intentionally designed to enlighten women and their families on the importance of sound health and wellness, with the goal of positively influencing life choices going forward.
Mrs Adeshina revealed that participants in need of health interventions were given access to seasoned medical experts who could offer tailored solutions to their health concerns, thereby bridging the gap between patients and healthcare professionals.
“Muslimah Health Forum is a platform created to educate Muslim women on their health and overall wellbeing,” she noted. “Today, we have a wide range of expert panellists — including consultant gynecologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians — all here to provide vital health education.”
Addressing the theme of infertility, Mrs. Adeshina emphasized the need to shift societal attitudes that often place the blame solely on women.
“There’s a stereotype that blames wives alone in cases of infertility,” she said. “But we all know it takes two to tango. Infertility should not be narrowly attributed to women. Both partners must be evaluated.”
She urged Nigerian society to be more compassionate and supportive. “Couples experiencing infertility should undergo medical evaluation together. If medical findings show that the issue lies with the woman, she deserves support — not mockery or criticism.”
In conclusion, Mrs. Adeshina stressed, “Infertility is not a woman’s problem alone. The society must show empathy, reduce stigmatization, and encourage appropriate medical intervention.”
Participants laud Bountiis Health Forum 6.0
Participants at the event expressed their appreciation to the organisers for consistently prioritising the health and well-being of Nigerian women. They also encouraged more women to take part in such impactful initiatives, which offer a platform to share experiences and tackle pressing health and societal challenges.
One of the participants, Hajia Riscor Sadiq-Lasaki, described the event as deeply enriching. “This is not my first time attending a programme organised by Bountiis, and I always look forward to it,” she said.
“It’s a forum specifically designed for Muslim women, where you can freely ask questions about your health and well-being. You’re confident you’re in good hands because Bountiis always invites seasoned facilitators who are authorities in their respective fields,” she added.
Another participant, Dr. Aziz Abdu-Alafia, expressed her gratitude for the valuable insights shared during the event.
“I really learnt a lot,” she said. “Starting with spiritual guidance on how to cope with the daily stress we all face — it was both enlightening and comforting. We were also educated by experts on key female health issues, how to manage them, and practical solutions that can help.”
Dr. Abdu-Alafia added, “I now feel more empowered to share what I’ve learnt with other women in my community. I’m truly happy I attended.”
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