What Women Want - Listening Session in District Umerkot, Sindh

On July 15th and 16th, 2020 Forum for Safe Motherhood (White Ribbon Alliance Chapter of Pakistan) organized its third listening session in Umerkot, Sindh. Organized in collaboration with the Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) Secretariat, Population Welfare Department, Government of Sindh the two-day session aimed at bringing forward women’s key asks regarding Family Planning as well as their suggestions for addressing the same; and then taking these voices to concerned decision makers at the district level.

The first day of the listening session was conducted at the MNCH Hall at Civil Hospital, Umerkot. A total of 15 women – 10 from the local community and 5 Lady Heath Workers (LHWs) – participated in the listening session. In line with COVID related safety protocols, the women were divided into two groups, with each group comprising of 7-8 women. Separate sessions were convened with each group. Both sessions were moderated by Additional District Coordinator (ADC) LHW Program and Polio Officer, in this support was provided to them by the Forum’s Provincial Coordinator.

The second day of the session was conducted at the M&E Hall in District Health Officer (DHO) Office, Umerkot. The second day participants include the District Health Officer (DHO), District Manager at People Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI), District Manager at Integrated Health Services (IHS), District Community Officer (DCO) LHW Program, Deputy Population Welfare (DPW) Officer, the Provincial Coordinator of FSM and 2 moderators from the first day of the session.

Venue for the listening session is being disinfected before the arrival of participants.
Disinfectant spray is also being used on the participants’ attire. 

The Moderators are briefing the participants about the project “Family Planning to Achieve
What Women Want” under which the listening session is being conducted.

A view of the room indicating compliance with COVID related protocols.

Participants are giving feedback in response to the questions from the Moderators.

The Provincial Coordinator, Sindh of Forum for Safe Motherhood (FSM)
is dirtributing hand Sanitizer to the listening session participants.

The government representatives are listening to the demands and suggestions
of women that came forwards on the first day of the listening session.

The government representatives not only gave feedback on the suggestions
put forward but also noted them down for consideration & record.