Breaking Barriers: How Likezo Ngenda and Women in Rural Health Centers Navigate Obstacles to Achieve Positive Change

Likezo Ngenda, is a Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant Officer at Siachitema Rural Health Centre in Kalomo District. With two years of experience working in a rural area, Likezo has developed a keen awareness of data accuracy and quality control. She pursued a degree in adult education with a component in statistics and has been making valuable contributions to the field ever since.

As a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant officer, Likezo faces several challenges regularly. These include limited access to reliable technology and internet connectivity, as well as scarce resources such as electricity and stationery, which can impede data collection, analysis and reporting processes. Language barriers and cultural differences can also make communication with locals in remote areas challenging, leading to resistance to providing information or engaging with outsiders. In addition, transportation to and from these remote areas can be unreliable, making it difficult to conduct evaluations and monitoring regularly. The lack of infrastructure such as adequate housing units for staff and illiteracy among individuals can further make data collection a challenge. Despite these challenges, Likezo remains committed to her work and strives to improve her skills to ensure better outcomes for those they serve. Her dedication to her job and passion for data-driven decision-making is an inspiration to many, especially women who face unique challenges in the workplace.

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate Likezo and other women like her who work tirelessly in challenging circumstances to make a positive impact in their communities. We appreciate and acknowledge their hard work and resilience, and encourage everyone to support and empower women in all aspects of life.

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