Utilizing female religious leaders to communicate health messages in a culturally sensitive environment

Pathfinder International's Takamol Project has found that education, participation, and mobilization of community members are key strategies to improving health outcomes for newborns, mothers, and families. Recognizing the conservative nature of the communities in which the project works, special efforts were made to expand the role of female Religious Leaders (RLs) by building their capacity to disseminate consistent and accurate Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Family Planning (FP), and Reproductive Health (RH) messages. This approach was initiated by the Tahseen Project, Takamol's predecessor. Field experience in the region indicates that women are more likely to seek RH-related information and counseling from other women, so female RLs, as trusted and respected community members, are ideally suited to build women's MCH/FP/RH knowledge. Takamol identifies and selects active female RLs in intervention governorates to participate in training as MCH/FP/RH educators. The RLs then incorporate MCH/FP/RH messages in their sermons and speeches, offering advice consistent with religious beliefs. A cohort of trained female RLs increased their knowledge of optimal age of first pregnancy from 13% to 96%, and of IUD efficacy from 50% to 100%. Involving female RLs in disseminating RH information within communities has proven to be beneficial in many ways. They have authority on all social topics, beyond religion, and can emphasize the importance of RH, they are experienced in community education efforts, and they can answer questions regarding the Islamic or Christian position on specific MCH/FP/RH issues. This presentation will further explore the unique role of female RLs in reaching women.