By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Society for the Study of Women Health (SSWH) with funding from International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada are implementing a three- year project dubbed Shifting Gender Norms for Improved Maternal and Adolescent Health in The Gambia.
The project aims to improve maternal health and access to maternal health services for pregnant women in NianijaDistrict and adolescent health by addressing gender norms that hinder access to health services.
The 17- sensitisation of the baseline findings on male involvement in maternal health services for pregnant women is targeting 33 villages in the Central River Region.
The discussion will also centre on essential items to pack for a pregnant woman which include labour delivery bags, birth preparedness and complications readiness, pack for new born baby and danger signs of pregnancy.
Muhamed Jobe Research and Training Coordinator at Society for the Study of Women Health reiterated the need for creating space for families and most particularly men taking responsibility of escorting their wives to health centre during pregnancy with the ultimate aim of overcoming critical complications on or before birth.
He noted that the gender advocacy programme contributed in bridging gaps and enhance understanding on the important of protecting the health of women and girl child
Mr. Jobe also highlighted the critical participation of men during pregnancy and child birth which he said is crucial in ensuring timely support and strengthen social relationships.
The project seeks to address gender norms and practices that affect maternal and adolescent health by engaging communities in dialogue and supporting the establishment of community-led initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s health.
The intervention will also contribute in addressing gender-based violence by creating stronger collaboration and consultation among marriage couples.
Gibi Cham alkalo of Chamen Nianija thanked the project for the foresight, noting that the intervention contributed in transforming the mind set of men and disclosed that men have now started escorting their pregnant women to health facility which has also brought positive change on women and children health.
Ebrima Njie, chairman of Village Development Committee of Chamen Nianija described the initiative as important, as there is limited men participation to support women during pregnancy and has also address maternal death.
Sainey S. Tunkara Community Health Nurse of ChamenNianija circuit expounded on social and behavioural change are fundamental in strengthening community participation and male participation in women health.
Other speakers include Edrisa Cham, Alasan Cham, RakiCham, Aminata Cham and Mamat YB Secka all spoke extensively on the significance of the project and how it will transform the lives and livelihood of the local communities.
