Exploring the impact of a community participatory intervention on women's capability: a qualitative study in Gulu Northern Uganda.
Community mobilization
Gender norms
Maternal and child health
Northern Uganda
Participatory learning action cycle
Post-conflict setting
Qualitative study
Reproductive
Women's capability
Journal
BMC women's health
ISSN: 1472-6874
Titre abrégé: BMC Womens Health
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101088690
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
18 01 2021
18 01 2021
Historique:
received:
04
04
2020
accepted:
29
12
2020
entrez:
19
1
2021
pubmed:
20
1
2021
medline:
1
6
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
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. 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. 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. 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.
Sections du résumé
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.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33461541
doi: 10.1186/s12905-020-01170-8
pii: 10.1186/s12905-020-01170-8
pmc: PMC7812725
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
28Subventions
Organisme : CIHR
Pays : Canada
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