In a small village in Maharashtra, Kamal’s story begins—a 28-year-old homemaker devoted to her family, juggling household chores and childcare. Like many women in her community, Kamal’s life was marked by dedication but also by a significant challenge: the lack of awareness and open dialogue around family planning and contraceptive methods.
The Challenge
Conversations about family planning were steeped in cultural taboos, preventing women like Kamal from accessing essential information or healthcare. After the birth of her first child, Kamal desperately wanted to space her pregnancies for the sake of her health and her family’s future. But societal pressures and limited knowledge left her overwhelmed.
“I constantly worried,” Kamal recalls. “How would I care for another child when I was already struggling? I knew it wasn’t right for my body, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
This situation isn’t unique. Across India, the silence surrounding family planning contributes to high maternal mortality rates, particularly for women with closely spaced pregnancies. According to UNICEF, inadequate knowledge about health interventions significantly affects women’s health, economic stability, and family well-being.
The WOHLA Solution
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, YouthAid Global Services Pvt. Ltd. (YAG Ltd.), supported by Samhita CGF, launched the Women’s Health and Livelihood Alliance (WOHLA) project in Maharashtra. The initiative aimed to dismantle the cycle of misinformation and stigma around family planning.
The WOHLA project provided women with comprehensive training on topics including contraceptive methods, maternal and child health, menstrual hygiene, pregnancy care, nutrition, personal hygiene, and financial independence.
For Kamal, joining these sessions was intimidating. “I was so nervous,” she admits. “I thought people would judge me for being there.” However, the empathetic facilitators and the safe environment gradually eased her fears. The program’s holistic approach to education and empowerment resonated deeply with Kamal and many others.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
As Kamal learned about family planning, her perspective shifted dramatically. “It felt like a weight was lifted,” she explains. “I realized that planning my family wasn’t wrong—it was about taking care of myself and my children.”
Equipped with accurate information, Kamal gained the confidence to discuss family planning openly with her husband and family members. This pivotal step marked the beginning of a healthier, more secure future for her family.
Beyond her personal transformation, Kamal recognized the broader implications of family planning. Better health outcomes, improved financial stability, and enhanced opportunities for her children became clear.
A Ripple Effect
Kamal’s newfound confidence and knowledge had a ripple effect within her community. Inspired by her journey, she became a vocal advocate for family planning and women’s health.
“I wanted other women to feel the relief I felt,” Kamal says. She began organizing informal gatherings, sharing her experiences and insights. Initially, some women hesitated, but Kamal’s persistence and empathy broke down barriers.
These conversations fostered camaraderie and collective responsibility among the women in her village. Kamal emphasized the importance of spacing pregnancies for healthier mothers and children and demonstrated how family planning contributes to a stable, prosperous future. Her efforts sparked a cultural shift, encouraging more women to seek information and support.
Transforming Communities
The WOHLA project’s impact extends beyond individual stories like Kamal’s. By addressing the root causes of maternal health challenges, the initiative has driven sustainable change:
- Improved health outcomes: Healthier pregnancies, reduced maternal mortality, and better child health.
- Enhanced awareness: Breaking taboos and encouraging open dialogue about family planning.
- Economic empowerment: Improved financial management and stability for families.
- Community leadership: Role models like Kamal inspiring collective action and resilience.
A Vision for the Future
Kamal’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and empowerment. Through the WOHLA project, she has not only changed her own life but also become a catalyst for progress in her community.
“I never thought I could make a difference,” Kamal reflects. “But now I see that even small acts of sharing and caring can create big changes.”
Her story underscores the importance of providing women with accessible, accurate information and support. Kamal’s transformation from a hesitant homemaker to a confident advocate reminds us of what can be achieved when women are empowered to take charge of their lives and futures.
(By Dr. Vikas Abnave, Manager of Research and Policy Impact Unit, YAG Ltd., Pune)
