By Dr. Socé Fall, Director of the World Health Organization Neglected Tropical Diseases Program and Dr. Ebere Okereke, CEO of Africa Public Health Foundation
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize the central role that women play in African health and development. Their contributions, often unsung, are vital to the wellbeing of their communities and the broader health ecosystem. However, despite their pivotal role, rural African women face numerous barriers that limit their potential. Addressing these challenges and empowering these women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one, essential for achieving sustainable development and health for all.
In rural Africa, women are the backbone of their communities, often serving as primary caregivers and health providers. They are the first line of defense against malnutrition, disease, and health emergencies, making critical decisions that affect the health outcomes of their families. Beyond their households, women contribute significantly to the agricultural sector, which is closely linked to community health and nutrition. Their knowledge of local resources, traditional medicine, and community dynamics makes them invaluable in promoting health and preventing disease.
Yet, despite their crucial roles, women living in rural communities frequently face systemic barriers that limit their access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Cultural norms and gender inequalities often restrict their decision-making power and access to resources, directly impacting their health and the health of their communities.
To harness the full potential of these women in health, strategies must focus on engagement and empowerment. This involves recognizing their roles, understanding their needs, and involving them in decision-making processes. Engagement should be multifaceted, encompassing health education, skills training, and economic empowerment.
Health Education and Training:
Providing women in these communities with health education and training empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and that of their families. This should include information on nutrition, hygiene, family planning, and disease prevention. This health information exchange should be two way – enabling rural women to contribute to the design of health interventions by contributing traditional knowledge of health behavioural practices into the design of health promoting interventions would facilitate better outcomes, a practice well-implemented by the Bajenu Gox, “neighbourhood godmothers“, in Senegal. Additionally, more formal training as paid community health workers can extend healthcare’s reach, particularly in underserved areas, while providing them with valuable skills and employment.
Economic Empowerment:
Economic empowerment is intrinsically linked to health outcomes. Providing women in rural communities with opportunities for income generation and financial independence enables them to invest in their families’ health and nutrition. Microfinance, agricultural support, and entrepreneurship training and protected gender -specific opportunities can help women overcome economic barriers and improve their social status, which is directly beneficial to community health. Policies that enable women to thrive in education and in the workplace including access to menstrual hygiene products, fertility control and childcare ensure women continuously and consistently contribute to and benefit from economic opportunities.
Policy and Advocacy:
Advocating for policies that address the unique challenges faced by women is critical. This includes policies that ensure their access to healthcare, education, and economic resources. Furthermore, laws and regulations should protect women from discrimination, violence, and exploitation, which significantly impact their health and wellbeing.
Community Engagement and Leadership:
Empowering women also means involving them in community leadership and decision-making. Women should have a voice in health-related discussions and decisions, from the household level to community planning and national and global policymaking. Their insights and experiences can guide more effective and culturally appropriate health interventions.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation:
Technology can be a powerful tool in empowering women in rural communities. Mobile health initiatives, telemedicine, and digital education platforms can bridge the gap in healthcare access and information. However, it’s essential to ensure that these technologies are accessible and tailored to their specific needs.
The Path Forward
Engaging and empowering African women in rural communities in health is not only a step toward gender equality but also a cornerstone of community wellbeing and sustainable development. As we move towards 2030, the intentional engagement of women in health systems should be a priority for governments, NGOs, and international bodies.
Partnerships are critical in this endeavour. Collaborations between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector can provide the resources, knowledge, and support needed to empower rural women effectively. These partnerships should aim to build inclusive systems that recognize and leverage the unique contributions of all members of the communities.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s commit to recognizing the invaluable role of African women in health and development. By empowering them, we are not only improving individual lives but also advancing towards a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. The time to act is now; by investing in women, we are investing in the health and prosperity of entire communities.