|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1970
|
Successful lobby for mothers |
|
|
 |
Pregnant women need rest and good
nutrition. Unfortunately women in developing countries
often can't manage this, due to a lack of money,
knowledge and understanding of their local community.
The government of Bangladesh wants to offer these women
a helping hand with the Maternity Allowance, an
allowance for pregnant women and new mothers.
'I gave birth five days ago at home
with the help of the midwife from the Village. I still
feel extremely tired, but my husband and mother-in-law
expect me to take on all the housekeeping again. I now
have three children and it's really too much for me, but
I have no choice.' This is what a Bangladeshi woman (see
photo) told a Wemos employee in June.
The partner organization of Wemos in
Bangladesh is concerned about the lot of pregnant women,
and has lobbied the government for a 'mother allowance'.
Development Organization of the Rural Poor (DORP) has
argued that these women should receive a monthly payment
and supervision so that they will be better able to look
after themselves. Because Bangladesh currently has an
interim government without a parliament, the authorities
were able to agree upon the introduction of the
Maternity Allowance with great rapidity.
DORP began a trial run in 2005 with
40 women, offering them an allowance and supervision.
One of the women who took part and has since given birth
(see photo) said, 'I felt really good during my
pregnancy. Because I receive money that is just for me,
I no longer need to work so hard and I can buy enough
food. Another advantage is that my husband and the rest
of the family now treat me with more respect. They now
understand that a pregnant woman needs rest and must
have enough to eat; the best pieces of meat no longer go
automatically to my husband. And my child is also strong
and healthy. I am really happy with the allowance.'
This year at least 45,000 Bangladeshi
women will benefit from the arrangement. The Maternity
Allowance encompasses a plan comprising a monthly
payment of about two euros over 24 months, which the
women are given personally during their pregnancy and
for a short time thereafter. They are visited regularly
by a health worker who encourages them to eat well, rest
a lot and have a check-up three times during their
pregnancy. It is important that the family is also
involved, by convincing them of pregnant women's needs
and explaining that a healthy mother and a healthy child
are good for everyone. Good care reduces childbirth
mortality significantly, ensures quicker recovery after
pregnancy and also leads to healthier babies.
Wemos, which supports DORP in its
lobbying, is delighted with the success which has been
achieved, and will follow progress closely together with
DORP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
