On July 8th & 9th, 2020 Forum for Safe Motherhood (White Ribbon Alliance Chapter of Pakistan) organized its second Listening Session in District Tharparkar, 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.
On the first day, the session was conducted at the Reproductive Health Service (RHS) Centre at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Chachro. A total of 15 women – 10 from the local community, 5 Lady Heath Workers (LHWs), and 01 Lady Health Supervisor (LHS) – 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 a Lady Health Worker, and in this support was provided to her by the Forum’s Provincial Coordinator.
The session on the second day was conducted at the Darbar Hall in Deputy Commissioner Office, Mithi, Tharparkar. It was attended by the District Health Officer (DHO), District Manager at People Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI), District Manager at Integrated Health Services (IHS), District Coordination Officer (DCO) LHW Program, and District Population Welfare Officer (DPW). The session was moderated by Forum’s Provincial Coordinator and was also attended by the female moderator from the first day.
Venue for the listening session is being disinfected before the arrival of participants.
Disinfectant spray is also being used on the participants’ attire.
Disinfectant spray is also being used on the participants’ attire.
Temperature of the participants is being checked. This was done to ensure that none of them is ill.
Participants are listening to the Moderator and also giving feedback in response to her questions.
Adherence to COVID related protocols by all participants is visible in both sessions.
The Provincial Coordinator of Forum for Safe Motherhood (FSM) is distributing Hand Sanitizer
and mask to the participants. In the pictures above, participant’s clothes and appearance are a
testament to the diversity of the group in terms of religion, age and socio economic background.
The demands and suggestions of women that came forward on the first day
of listening session
are being presented to the representatives of relevant government departments on the second day.
are being presented to the representatives of relevant government departments on the second day.
The government representatives not only gave feedback on the suggestions
put forward but also noted them down for consideration & record.
put forward but also noted them down for consideration & record.