SRHIN AFRICA Website
News
20 June 2024
Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) recently held a dissemination conference in Toto Local Government Area (LGA) to celebrate the positive impact of their SimbiHealth Community Advocacy Project.
SimbiHealth project, launched in Nasarawa state, across 10 different communities, aimed to empower women to become champions for health and gender equality within their communities. The project focused on providing women with the tools and knowledge to advocate for critical healthcare services often lacking in rural areas.
Women Leaders Drive Change
The conference highlighted transformative stories of women leaders who emerged through the SimbiHealth project. Mrs. Mamma Happy Shekwobada, a leader from the Kuru community, exemplifies the project’s success. Previously lacking access to healthcare and family planning information, Mrs. Happy, now in her early forties, became a vocal advocate for these services. Through her leadership, she secured access to the chief’s palace, a platform to openly discuss family planning—a previously taboo topic. Working with community leaders and healthcare professionals, Mrs. Happy spearheaded awareness campaigns on maternal, newborn, and child health, as well as breastfeeding. These efforts resulted in a significant shift in the community’s approach to healthcare, with both men and women embracing essential services.
Beyond Healthcare
SimbiHealth’s impact extended beyond healthcare access. Hajia Amina Bolarinde, a leader from the Toto community, spearheaded efforts to improve environmental sanitation. Her tireless advocacy led to the establishment of monthly sanitation practices, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall well-being. Furthermore, Hajia Amina challenged cultural norms by advocating for girls’ education. Through collaborative efforts with schools and parents, she addressed the barriers to girls’ education, paving the way for a future where girls have the opportunity to pursue their full potential.
A Brighter Future
The story of Hafisat Abdulahi, a leader from the Gwargwada community, reflects another facet of SimbiHealth’s success. Prior to the project, women in Gwargwada lacked access to a functional healthcare facility. Hafisat’s advocacy with the community chairman resulted in the renovation of the existing facility, increased staffing, and the establishment of a well-equipped health center. Furthermore, she addressed menstrual hygiene issues by collaborating with schools to distribute sanitary pads to girls.
The SimbiHealth project serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of empowering women. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves and their communities, SRHIN has laid the foundation for a brighter and healthier future for the people of Toto Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.