In the heart of Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, Seema recounts her journey as a new mother; she struggled with breastfeeding, enduring unbearable pain and sore nipples. “It’s not unusual for a first-time mother to be lost. I too was.” Her story is consistent with several women from marginalised communities, who face the daunting challenges of limited education, early marriage, migration to their husband’s home in Mumbai, scarce resources, and lack of support systems, all of which pose a significant threat to the health and nutrition of mothers and children. Therefore, accounts of malnutrition, anaemia, and associated conditions are common in informal “slum” dwellings.
Seema’s life turned for the better when she encountered a community volunteer associated with SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action), a non-profit dedicated to working in urban informal communities. Through timely guidance and invaluable information, Seema learned breastfeeding techniques, gained insights into nutrition, and adopted crucial hygiene practices. The result was that both mother and child thrived.
Her transformative journey didn’t stop there. As her child grew older, she decided to pay it forward by becoming a community volunteer. Joining SNEHA, she embarked on a mission to empower mothers with knowledge and reshape their behaviours regarding health and nutrition. Serving as a bridge between the community and the organisation, Seema initiated various activities aimed at combating child malnutrition and addressing maternal and child health gaps.
Regular training sessions organised by SNEHA further honed her knowledge, equipping her with the tools necessary for outreach. Armed with newfound wisdom, she began knocking on doors, engaging mothers in conversations about antenatal care, breastfeeding, sanitation, malnutrition, immunisation, and more. Her persistence knew no bounds, as she provided ongoing counselling, coaxing, and support tailored to each other’s unique needs.
Speaking about her challenges, Seema remarks, “Changing behaviours ingrained for generations isn’t a quick process. It demands a continuous dialogue. But the heartening truth is that I’ve never met a mother who doesn’t want her child to be healthy. That’s my driving motivation.”
Community volunteers like Seema play a pivotal role in establishing friendly relationships, fostering trust, and maintaining consistent communication- the bedrock of behaviour-change interventions. Their efforts complement the government’s initiatives through the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), facilitating greater uptake of health and hygiene services.
SNEHA has successfully recruited, engaged, and trained community volunteers while bolstering the capacities of frontline workers. The result was increased awareness and effective behaviour-change communication programs, leading to early identification and treatment of maternal and child illnesses. These efforts have also made significant strides in reducing child malnutrition and anaemia among women, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare in the community and the city.
Seema’s journey from beneficiary to benefactor is empowering. It shows the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have in building healthier futures for mothers and children living in urban settlements.
