Leveraging Community Orientation Sessions for Breaking Down Barriers, Strategic Engagement, Mobilization, and Ownership

Authors: Mercy Okeyode , Samaila Yusuf Michael Olubunmi Titus , Hintiya Hunohidoshi Anita

A cornerstone of Jhpiego and the Society for Family Health Nigeria Delivering Innovation In Self-Care (DISC 2.0) project's success has been the robust support from community stakeholders, achieved through well-designed orientation and sensitization sessions in over 123 local governments areas across 8 states. These sessions have created a platform for mutual learning and collaboration between the Nigeria DISC 2.0 project team and a diverse group of stakeholders such as community leaders, health executive, district/village heads, political figures (e.g. LGA chairpersons, councilors, party leaders etc), ward development committee (WDC) chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, persons with disabilities, CBOs, drivers’ union leaders, women leaders, market leaders, traditional birth attendants, youth leaders, and women's groups.

By involving key influencers, the project ensures that every segment of the community is represented, fostering inclusivity and ownership. These interactive sessions are critical to addressing cultural and religious misconceptions about family planning (FP). They provide an opportunity to create more awareness on FP, dismantle myths, educate stakeholders, and advocate for the life-saving benefits of FP, including its role in reducing maternal mortality, preventing unsafe abortions, and improving women's agency.

These sessions not only stimulate strategic partnerships but also position the DISC 2.0 project as a community-driven initiative that aligns with local needs, values, and aspirations. This collaborative approach lays a solid foundation for sustained progress in family planning and broader reproductive health outcomes.

Strategically, these forums serve as a foundation for resource mobilization and identifying key FP advocates within communities. Many stakeholders, motivated by the benefits of FP in reducing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, have pledged to become champions of FP within their spheres of influence. This commitment strengthens the local advocacy network and ensures sustainable support for the project's goals.

The preference for family planning over unsafe abortions and unintended pregnancies by community members was a strong motivation for some stakeholders who vowed to become advocates of family planning?in?their communities. It served as an opportunity to educate those who believe it could negatively impact their livelihoods, such as traditional birth attendants (TBAs).

The sessions further highlighted the importance of male engagement, with significant participation from male stakeholders who play a pivotal role in decision-making within families and communities. Their involvement enhances the effectiveness of FP messaging and supports broader acceptance by correcting myths and misinformation

These discourse gives every stakeholder a sense of ownership and provides an opportunity to talk about their expectations from the project. We are on a mission to reduce maternal mortality, improve female agency, and provide a method mix. It is important that the women we serve and the influencers in their lives come aboard. The significant male representation and participation in our orientation sessions have been encouraging.

DISC 2.0 is funded by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and receives technical support from Population Services International