Loubna Belaid1, Emmanuel Ochola2, Pontius Bayo2, George William Alii2, Martin Ogwang2, Donato Greco3, Christina Zarowsky4. 1. Family Medicine Department, McGill University, 5858 Chemin de la Côte des Neiges, Montreal, QC, Canada. lbelaid@ciet.org. 2. St. Mary's Lacor Hospital, P.O. Box 180, Gulu, Uganda. 3. International Prevention Research Institute, Allée Claude Debussy, 69130, Écully, Lyon, France. 4. University of Montreal, 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health. In 2017, we implemented this strategy in Gulu Northern Uganda. This study explored the perceived impact of this approach on women's capability. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study based on three data collection methods: 14 in-depth individual interviews with participating women of childbearing age, five focus group discussions with female facilitators, and document analysis. We used the Sen capability approach as a conceptual framework and undertook a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Women adopted safe and healthy behaviors for themselves and their children. They were also able to respond to some of their family's financial needs. They reported a reduction in domestic violence and in mistreatment towards their children. The facilitators perceived improved communication skills, networking, self-confidence, and an increase in their social status. Nevertheless, the women still faced unfreedoms that deprived them of living the life they wanted to lead. These unfreedoms are related to their lack of access to economic opportunities and socio-cultural norms underlying gender inequalities. CONCLUSION: To expand women's freedoms, we need more collective political actions to tackle gender inequalities and need to question the values underlying women's social status.
BACKGROUND: Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health. In 2017, we implemented this strategy in Gulu Northern Uganda. This study explored the perceived impact of this approach on women's capability. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study based on three data collection methods: 14 in-depth individual interviews with participating women of childbearing age, five focus group discussions with female facilitators, and document analysis. We used the Sen capability approach as a conceptual framework and undertook a thematic analysis. RESULTS:Women adopted safe and healthy behaviors for themselves and their children. They were also able to respond to some of their family's financial needs. They reported a reduction in domestic violence and in mistreatment towards their children. The facilitators perceived improved communication skills, networking, self-confidence, and an increase in their social status. Nevertheless, the women still faced unfreedoms that deprived them of living the life they wanted to lead. These unfreedoms are related to their lack of access to economic opportunities and socio-cultural norms underlying gender inequalities. CONCLUSION: To expand women's freedoms, we need more collective political actions to tackle gender inequalities and need to question the values underlying women's social status.
Authors: J Morrison; R Thapa; S Hartley; D Osrin; M Manandhar; K Tumbahangphe; R Neupane; B Budhathoki; A Sen; N Pace; D S Manandhar; A Costello Journal: Int Health Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 2.473
Authors: Helen A Harris-Fry; Kishwar Azad; Leila Younes; Abdul Kuddus; Sanjit Shaha; Tasmin Nahar; Munir Hossen; Anthony Costello; Edward Fottrell Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2016-01-06 Impact factor: 3.710