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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Founder and Executive Director of Starburg Empowerment Foundation, Comrade Gloria Bakare, has called for urgent collective action to end mental health stigma and discrimination in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” Bakare said stakeholders must move beyond conversations to actions that protect dignity, rights and well-being. She stressed that people with lived experiences must be at the centre of decisions affecting them and their voices incorporated into policies and programmes.
Bakare called for expanded access to professional support and sustained efforts to dismantle harmful stereotypes that prevent people from seeking help.
“Stigma, misconceptions and discrimination continue to prevent many people from speaking openly about their struggles. “Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or status. We must replace prejudice with understanding, rejection with inclusion, and silence with meaningful conversations.
“Every voice matters. Every story deserves respect. And every life has value,” she said. She urged government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, religious bodies, families and civil society to collaborate in promoting mental health education and creating safe spaces where people can seek help without fear. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to awareness, empowerment and encouraging access to professional care.
