Finding the confidence to be the best mother: The story of Aziza
When Aziza became a mother for the first time, she was filled with fear. "I didn’t know how to best care for my child,” she admitted. But the 19-year-old knew two things for certain: she was determined to be the best mother she could be, and she would do it her way. Living in Deir al-'Asal al-Fauqa, a small town west of Hebron, she was acutely aware of the challenges she would face in raising her child. During her pregnancy, she had already experienced limited access to healthcare and felt a lack of support for women. On top of that, the ongoing crisis loomed large over her family. Violence and checkpoints had become a constant reality, and like over 40% of the population in the West Bank since October 2023, her husband had lost his job and was unemployed.
As she endeavoured to give her newborn the best possible start in life, Aziza encountered another significant obstacle in her traditional community: the prevalence of harmful traditional practices. "The biggest challenge I faced after giving birth to my daughter, Eva, was the relentless criticism and sarcasm from extended family," Aziza explained. "They believed I was overdoing it by talking and playing with her from day one.”
When her baby was just a month old, Aziza learned about the Go Baby Go programme implemented by World Vision International in her village and decided to join. Over the next several months, through home visits and group sessions, she received crucial information about her baby’s development and practical tips on how to support her during this critical time. "Before the programme, I felt lost," Aziza shared. "But thanks to the advice and tips from the community health worker, I’ve learned how important it is to talk, read, and play with my daughter. I also learned that 80% of my child's brain development happens in the early stages of life. This is such a crucial moment for her!" The programme, implemented across six governorates of the West Bank through a network of 124 community health workers and 93 health centres, aims to equip 1,400 caregivers with essential parenting skills, improve family well-being, and promote the holistic development of children.
Empowered by this newfound knowledge, Aziza gained the confidence she needed to become the loving mother she had always aspired to be. "Since joining Go Baby Go, I feel much more confident. The information provided by community health worker Khawla is research-based, unlike many customs and traditions that can negatively affect my child’s development. This knowledge gave me the courage to continue fostering my daughter's growth through communication and play,” she said. Her confidence soon became contagious. "Once my husband saw the strong bond between me and my daughter, he became more actively involved in childcare. Now, we share responsibilities, and I can be much more relaxed at home,” Aziza added.
A few months later, Aziza reflects proudly on her journey and her baby's progress. "The difference in her development is incredible. I’ve noticed that my daughter’s growth surpasses that of other children whose parents used to mock me. Even though their children are a few months older, my daughter’s skills and language abilities are much stronger. She’s also physically ahead,” Aziza proudly shared, proving that an empowered, informed, and supported mother can achieve anything.