Exploring the impact of a community participatory intervention on women's capability: a qualitative study in Gulu Northern Uganda

Loubna Belaid,Pontius Bayo,Emmanuel Ochola,Donato Greco,George William Alii,Christina Zarowsky,Martin Ogwang

doi:10.1186/s12905-020-01170-8

Abstract

BackgroundCommunity 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsWomen 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.ConclusionTo 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.

Highlights

Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health
This study aimed to explore the perceived impact on women’s capability of women’s groups practicing the participatory learning and action (PLA) cycle to promote maternal and child health in Gulu, Northern Uganda
Study design and data collection methods We conducted a qualitative study based on in-depth individual interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and document analysis

Summary

Introduction

Community participatory interventions mobilizing women of childbearing age are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health. Community-based women’s groups using a participatory learning and action (PLA) cycle are an effective strategy to promote maternal and child health [1, 2]. The review authors identified enablers and barriers at the community (poverty, power hierarchies, health beliefs) and intervention levels (staff management, incentives, educational tools, inclusion of most marginalized subpopulations), but they did not have high confidence in any of the mechanisms, enablers, and facilitators identified. They highlighted the limited evidence of impact on women’s capability and gender dynamics [11]. Participatory women’s groups in rural Bangladesh did not report an increased in women’s household decision-making about their healthcare [14]

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Conclusion