PouhHikers Unite to Raise Global Awareness Against Abuse and Promote Wellness

On October 5th, the picturesque trails of Greenbelt came alive as women from across the world gathered for the PouhHikers event, a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness against abuse and promoting holistic wellness. Women from Europe, Africa, and beyond joined local participants, united by a common cause: creating safer environments for all, while emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health.

The event, hosted by the PouhHikers in collaboration with the Just Like You Global Foundation, brought together over 50 women. The mayor of Greenbelt, Mayor Emmett V. Jordan spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of community efforts in raising awareness against abuse. “While it is commendable that women are hiking and advocating against abuse, it equally important for men to join the movement. We must stand up, not just for ourselves but for the vulnerable among us, to break the silence around abuse,” the mayor said.

Throughout the hike, participants discussed various essential topics, led by expert speakers from the fields of health, psychology, and social work. Among the topics covered were:

• Mental Wellness and Self-Care: Attendees learned about the importance of mental health and strategies for maintaining emotional balance amidst life’s challenges. Key points included managing stress, recognizing the signs of burnout, and the necessity of self-care routines to prevent mental exhaustion.

• High Blood Pressure: A health expert spoke about the silent dangers of hypertension, particularly among women, and how unchecked blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. The discussion highlighted the role of exercise and diet in managing and preventing high blood pressure.

• Stress and Breast Cancer: One of the most impactful discussions centered on the link between chronic stress and its potential to increase the risk of breast cancer. Women were urged to monitor their stress levels and to regularly consult healthcare professionals for breast cancer screenings.

• Recognizing Abuse and Seeking Support: In line with the event’s core purpose, a vital session focused on recognizing the signs of abuse—emotional, physical, and psychological. Women shared personal stories and learned about resources available to them, reinforcing the idea that awareness is the first step toward prevention and healing.

The event wasn’t just about hiking and discussions—attendees were treated to a variety of food and drinks, creating a warm, supportive environment for bonding and relaxation. The culinary spread featured healthy options that aligned with the day’s wellness theme, encouraging participants to be mindful of their dietary choices in maintaining overall health.

“We hiked not just for fitness, but for the future of women everywhere,” said Dr. Gwen Nkabio, one of the event’s coordinators. “By coming together from different parts of the world, we’re sending a strong message that abuse knows no boundaries, but neither does our strength and solidarity.”

The PouhHikers event was a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing conversations around abuse prevention and overall wellness. Through physical activity, open dialogue, and community support, the event successfully fostered a sense of empowerment and unity among all who attended.

For more information on future awareness events and how you can get involved, visit www.justlikeyouglobal.org/events