Grandmothers play a critical role in family and community life across societies worldwide. They are often central to caring for young children and advising younger women on all aspects of family well-being. In many non-Western contexts, grandmothers hold significant influence within the family, shaping the practices of younger women as well as decisions made by fathers and other men. 

Empowering grandmothers, strengthening communication between generations, and supporting grandmother groups can enhance mutual understanding and social cohesion within families and communities, while contributing to improved health and well-being. 

Dr Judi Aubel, founder of the Grandmother Project (GMP), developed the grandmother-inclusive approach, also known as the change through culture approach. This innovative methodology works with communities to promote positive changes in social norms and practices related to the well-being of women and children.

Grandmother-inclusive interventions have been associated with improvements in maternal and child well-being across multiple settings. The approach is built on three core pillars:

• Grandmother inclusion
• Intergenerational dialogue
• Participatory communication approaches grounded in adult learning and community development principles

Watch a video featuring Judi Aubel and learn more about the grandmother-inclusive approach.

World Vision and the grandmother project

World Vision has collaborated with the Grandmother Project and Dr Judi Aubel since 2006, addressing issues such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, teenage pregnancy, and behaviour change communication related to maternal and child nutrition and other health topics. This partnership has also supported the development of literacy materials, with the aim of re-engaging grandmothers as trainers and mentors for younger generations.