Expectant mothers and their 'Solidarity Circle'

In the village of Nianao (Velingara area), pregnant women meet together twice a month to compare notes on their bumps and exchange advice on how to experience this most feminine of states. They also chat about recommended diets and how to take their medication, all under the watchful eye of the village matron.

"Between us women, we have a good thing going on now to help each other. Once upon a time it was the older ladies who would care for pregnant women, lavishing advice and natural remedies on them based on tree bark for instance. But now it's the pregnant women themselves who have the solidarity to help and advise each other. On the 15th of every month we organise a get-together for pregnant women when we prepare a meal that suits the quirks of their appetite, in other words a bit on the sour side," remarks Aïssatou, one member of a solidarity circle.

Building a rapport between women

The progress of all the pregnant women in the Solidarity Circle is tracked by a matron who is supervised by a community development agent, who in turn is supported by a World Vision facilitator. "This Solidarity Circle, set up by World Vision, is key to building a rapport between women in the local area. Pregnancy is a great leveller - every time they fall pregnant, women naturally gravitate towards a Solidarity Circle," explains Khady the matron.

Improving mother and baby health

The Solidarity Circles also function as an environment that nurtures mother and baby health. Circle activities address the seven aspects of the 7/11 strategy designed for women, which covers adequate nutrition, preparation for childbirth, planning intervals between pregnancies, prevention of infection and so on.