“Self-development matters” - Perception of Sakhis (CHWs) assessing self-development outcomes of their participation in the HBNC Program

Abstract

BackgroundCommunity Health Workers (CHWs) play an instrumental role in promoting socio-behavioural change at the community level, which results in changed indicators of community health. While outcomes are mostly reviewed for achieving program objectives, it is pertinent to understand the process of program implementation mainly from the perception of participating CHWs.MethodsA qualitative study to understand the perception of Sakhi’s (CHWs) regarding the outcomes of their participation in Home-Based Neonatal Care (HBNC) Program implemented by a non-governmental organization (NGO). Data consisted of 3 FGDs and 20 in-depth unstructured interviews with participating Sakhis.ResultsSakhis perceived their ability to take decisions at critical phases of the program as an important factor influencing their performance. The opportunity to participate as a Sakhi in the health programme initiated a process of change at the personal level. The changes perceived by Sakhis were enhancement in knowledge, skills and capabilities of Sakhis. The combination of improved skills, knowledge and attitude had culminated in the process of experiencing self-empowerment for the participating Sakhis. Their ability to positively influence the individuals and community with their initiatives to improve women and child health and save lives in critical situations facilitated development of a new identity and improved societal status in their communities. Changed power-relations at the family and community level promoted the involvement of Sakhis in the broader development agenda. Sakhis’ ability to strategize goals, evaluate their own abilities, their willingness to upgrade knowledge and take others along in bringing social change, was an evident movement towards self-development.ConclusionAn opportunity for local women to participate in development programs creates potential for self-development as a cascading effect in addition to the accomplishment of planned program objective.

Community Empowerment Based on Local Potential: A Systematic Literature Review

“…In addition, this cluster also as explained by (Mahajani et al, 2018) that the key actors in a program, underwent a significant transformation in terms of increasing decision-making abilities that helped them develop their own identity. This means that here is very concerned with the creation of their identity.…”

Providing Mental Health Care in Primary Care Centers in LMICs

“…By becoming an Acompañante, Inmaculada was not only serving other people with similar health problems, she was also actively engaged in behavioral activation, having scheduled activities that helped her feel better throughout the week. Being a community health worker (CHW) has been related to self-empowerment through the combination of gaining new skills, knowledge, and attitudes and has been reported to change power relations in other parts of the world, such as India (Mahajani et al 2018). In rural Chiapas, self-empowerment may help women to be more likely to make decisions, go beyond established roles, and gain financial independence.…”