Every year on 8th March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), a time to recognise the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. In the lead up to IWD, we will be sharing a different story each day, highlighting women whose journeys inspire hope and change. Come back every day this week for a new story of courage, transformation, and hope.
For over ten years, Winnie has been a dedicated community volunteer with St John Ambulance, serving under the Mother and Baby Programme since its launch in 2015. Her journey reflects resilience, growth, and transformation both personally and within her community.
“I gained confidence in public speaking and community mobilisation,” Winnie proudly shares.
Through the Mother and Baby Programme, Winnie received extensive training in maternal health, nutrition, and counselling skills. Mentorship, regular refresher courses, and a small allowance to cover transport costs further strengthened her ability to serve. She also learned to use simple health monitoring tools provided by the programme.
“The trainings opened my eyes. I realised I could help mothers not only with information but also by guiding them to the right health services,” she explains.
Winnie began conducting home visits, organising small group discussions, and linking mothers to nearby health facilities. Her efforts have made her a trusted figure in the area of operation. Her leadership skills improved, and she became a respected voice in her community.
“When I knock on a mother’s door, she welcomes me because she knows I bring hope and solutions,” Winnie says.
She applies her knowledge of maternal and child health within her own family, ensuring her children grow up healthier and stronger. The modest allowance she receives enabled Winnie to start a small poultry project at home. Financial literacy trainings, such as saving, taught her how to manage household income more effectively.
“I never imagined I could run a project of my own. The poultry business not only supports my family but also gives me pride as a woman who contributes to household income,” she reflects.
Winnie has earned trust and respect from mothers and local leaders alike. She is regularly invited to participate in local council meetings to represent women’s views.
“I feel honoured when leaders call me to speak. It shows that women’s voices matter, and I am proud to carry those voices forward. This programme gave me knowledge, confidence, and respect. I am not just serving mothers; I am shaping the future of my community,” she emphasises.
Winnie’s story is a testament to the power of community volunteers in transforming maternal and child health. From gaining confidence in public speaking to becoming a respected leader and economic contributor, her journey represents the impact of the Mother and Baby Programme in Uganda.
These experiences highlight the real-world impact of our research on early antenatal care in Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda, which investigated why many women miss care during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The study revealed barriers such as distance, cost, social pressures, and limited information, and showed how programmes like the Mother and Baby Programme can help overcome them. Volunteers like Winnie play a vital role in putting these findings into action. Read the report here.
Continue to follow our series this week as we share more stories of inspiration and empowerment, highlighting the impact of the Mother and Baby Programme.
