Igniting Disruptive Change in The Gambia Without Harmful Disruption

Many believe that changes which may be considered “disruptive” to established societal beliefs or practices need to come about through disruptive methods, particularly when we know that those who hold power are often resistant to change. But Mbamata “Fatou” Jawneh, an inspirational participant in Tostan’s non formal education program from The Gambia, is a woman who makes things happen through building bridges rather than burning them. With her natural ability to lead and the knowledge and skills she learned through participating in Tostan’s non formal education program, she has helped to ignite positive change in her community and beyond on a large range of health topics.

Fatou was elected Coordinator of the Community Management Committee in her village, Munekunda. In this role, and with her knowledge of human rights, inclusive dialogue and the importance of good factual information, she did not try to impose change, rather she worked with her fellow community members and larger social network to create consensus around ways they could improve health and wellbeing in their communities.
And change Munekunda has seen! Fatou and her community have encouraged women to participate and become leaders, they have led a birth registration campaign during which over 360 children were registered, organized weekly community clean-ups, and have engaged and inspired others to discuss sensitive and previously taboo issues affecting women’s health such as female genital cuttin...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - August 9, 2013 Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Advocacy Disparities Global Health Patients Policy Women's Health Source Type: blogs