Creating Change: Our Journey Towards a Healthier Africa
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, we’re thrilled to share the incredible progress and exciting developments that have shaped our journey so far. In this edition, we will provide updates on our recent achievements and share inspiring stories from the field.
We are proud to share that our PAVE project has executed impactful community initiatives in Lagos and Ogun State over the past six months. Our dedicated PAVE girls in these regions have proactively addressed critical issues such as teenage pregnancy, sexual harassment, and career development through community engagement. They have educated their peers, parents and community members on teenage pregnancy, menstruation management, and puberty, fostering awareness and empowerment. Let’s continue to support and empower our girls to make a difference!
The reliance on paper-based health records poses significant challenges for health workers, leading to misunderstandings, errors in patient care, and time-consuming data analysis and aggregation. Recognizing these issues, we are dedicated to transforming healthcare through technology. We have reached a significant milestone by digitizing health records in over 100 primary health centers (PHCs) in Oyo State and Osun State. Additionally, we have trained over 500 health workers to use the Impact Health app for managing digital health records. Recently, we conducted a data quality assessment using our new app to ensure the accuracy of digital entries compared to traditional paper records. This crucial step underscores the importance of digital health records in enhancing data reliability and streamlining healthcare management.
Our Executive Director, Rhoda Robinson in June participated in an inspiring panel discussion at Eve’s Lounge, hosted by Crest FM 91.1 in Ibadan. The discussion focused on the theme of Women and Society, delving into critical topics such as women in politics, the strength of women supporting one another, the ongoing fight for gender equity, and the importance of quotas in decision-making roles. The event was a powerful reminder of the need to advocate for women’s rights and to support each other in building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Our team members, Oluwatomi Olunuga, Rhoda Robinson, and Ojajuni Siji, attended the Capacity Building Training in Evaluation under the ENICA (Enhancing Capacity Building in Impact Evaluation in Africa) program in Nairobi, Kenya. This training will significantly enhance our organization’s ability to conduct effective impact evaluations on all our projects and develop data-driven strategies. Thanks to Africa Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) for organizing these insightful sessions!
The Family Planning Training Sessions kicked off in June for family planning enthusiasts, innovators, and leaders. These sessions aim to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to elevate their innovative ideas and deepen their understanding of family planning innovation principles. In the first session, Stephanie Okpere delved into the topic of “Human-Centered Design,” providing valuable insights and practical applications. Join us as we continue to explore and expand the horizons of family planning innovation!
Highlights from our End Malaria Campaign in partnership with @aiicoinsurance include testing and educating 1,000 women, distributing 2,000 insecticide-treated nets, and conducting community sensitization to increase knowledge on malaria prevention and treatment. Together, we can create a brighter future with a malaria-free world.
We have empowered women living in rural and peri-urban communities in Kaduna State to overcome economic barriers and thrive as entrepreneurs! With support from Access Corporation, HACEY has empowered 3,000 disadvantaged women by providing essential skills and knowledge for sustainable livelihoods. Through financial literacy, business acumen, vocational skills training, and facilitating access to financial services, we’re paving the way for a future where all women are financially and economically included. Join us in supporting women’s entrepreneurship for a stronger, more prosperous community!
Our team were present at The Queen’s Club (An affiliation of the Lagos State Sexual And Domestic Violence Agency) launch of a report box where students can anonymously report cases of child abuse and domestic violence at Jagunmolu Senior Girls High School, Lagos State. The highlight of the day was the launch of three report boxes, designed to allow students to anonymously report incidents of sexual abuse and violence. It was a powerful moment, symbolizing a significant step towards creating a safer environment for young girls. We emphasized on girls right to report cases and not feel shy. We also introduced our safe space engagement initiative. To our delight, majority of the girls enthusiastically signed up, eager to join PAVE safe space that supports and empowers them.
Applications are now open for the Roots Climate Justice Camp in Tanzania, taking place in 2024. This international week-long event offers a unique opportunity for co-creation, collaboration, and innovation among groups and leaders from the Global South who are dedicated to climate and social justice.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience. Apply now as application closes by July 7, 2024.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We hope that our message has inspired you to take action towards improving the health and rights of women and girls around the world. Read more about our work on our website.