SHEALS, a global initiative dedicated to helping women heal, grow, and thrive, has provided financial and mental health support to women across Nigeria, with the latest edition of its boot camp held in Lagos. Organised by The Amon Gem Company, the SHEALS Boot Camp 2.0 aimed to strengthen women’s resilience in the workplace and beyond, combining mental wellness programmes with financial empowerment.
With support from LAPO Microfinance Bank, the initiative provided financial backing to 20 women to grow their small businesses, ensuring the impact extends beyond the training sessions. According to SHEALS founder and mental health advocate, Ayodeji Michael-Oni, the programme addresses the often-overlooked emotional struggles women face, including trauma, self-doubt, societal pressure, domestic violence, and financial constraints.
Michael-Oni described the boot camp as a biannual platform for mind empowerment, designed to achieve mental health sustainability and productivity for women. She noted that this year’s event brought together hundreds of women for a transformational experience focused on inner healing, emotional resilience, and business growth. Mental health experts, financial specialists, and wellness coaches led sessions to help participants rebuild self-esteem, navigate trauma, and strengthen coping strategies.
She emphasised that the initiative reflects her belief that “when a woman heals, a generation is restored.” SHEALS 3.0 is scheduled for December, with plans to extend mental, emotional, and financial support to more women, ensuring inclusivity in the journey toward healing and purpose.
