Catalyzing Change: DFN Nurse Drives Family Planning Awareness Initiative in Local Community
DFN nurse, Yuna Shahi, has been doing incredible work raising awareness of family planning in her role at Oda Foundation in Kalikot. The initiative she has been working on has successfully started to shift understanding and uptake in the community, leading to positive and lasting outcomes.
Yuna’s Full Report:
I am pleased to provide this report on the activities I have undertaken to educate the community on the importance of family planning and promote awareness about its various methods and implications. The aim of these efforts was to empower community members, particularly women, with knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
- Introduction and Background
Upon my arrival in the community, it became apparent that there was a significant lack of awareness about family planning methods and their benefits. Many families were experiencing challenges due to unplanned pregnancies and complications arising from the use of certain methods without proper understanding.
- Teaching and Information Dissemination
To address these issues, I initiated a comprehensive educational campaign focused on family planning. I organized a community workshop with the help of Rajkumari Dura mam (OF staff member) and sessions to educate people about the various aspects of family planning, including its importance in ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children. I explained the different types and methods of family planning available, emphasizing their pros and cons. This was particularly crucial as I observed cases where women were suffering from health complications due to inadequate knowledge about family planning methods.
- Awareness and Empowerment
Through these workshops I witnessed a notable shift in the community’s understanding and awareness of family planning. Men and women alike became better informed about the options available to them. They began to comprehend the potential side effects, contraindications, and benefits associated with different family planning methods.
- Personalized Support and problem Solving
Following the educational sessions, community members approached me with questions and concerned related to family planning. I provided personalized guidance, addressing their queries and alleviating any misconceptions. The follow-up sessions allowed me to gauge the effectiveness of the education provided and ensure the individuals were comfortable with the information they had received.
- Positive Behavioral Changes