Care is stronger when families are involved
In many rural communities across Malawi, cultural norms and limited access to information have historically excluded men from participating in reproductive, maternal, and newborn health. This gap can result in delayed care, limited birth preparedness, and insufficient support for women and children, especially during emergencies.
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Wandikweza addresses this gap through targeted education, couple-focused counseling, and community dialogue. When husbands and partners understand danger signs in pregnancy, support antenatal attendance, and participate in birth planning, women are more likely to access timely care. Similarly, when fathers are engaged in child health, nutrition, and immunization decisions, children are more likely to survive and thrive—physically, emotionally, and developmentally.
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Wandikweza integrates husbands and partners into Proactive Doorstep Care and community programming as essential contributors to healthy families. Engagement is respectful, culturally sensitive, and grounded in understanding rather than blame, recognizing local norms while promoting positive change.
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We meet men where they live and gather, through household visits, community discussions and group sessions, creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and shared responsibility.
Engaging Husbands and Partners
Wandikweza actively promotes male engagement through a range of tailored interventions embedded within our Proactive Doorstep Care (PDC) model and broader community outreach efforts.
Our approach is designed to foster inclusive, gender-responsive health systems by creating safe, informed, and supportive environments for men to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of their families.
Men’s Dialogue Circles
Led by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) and community-recognized male champions, these structured group sessions provide a safe platform for men to explore key issues such as respectful relationships, antenatal care support, birth preparedness, shared decision-making, gender equity and the importance of skilled birth attendance. The sessions promote open conversation, critical reflection and peer support to challenge harmful norms and encourage positive behaviors.
Household-Based Couple Counseling
During routine CHW household visits, Wandikweza facilitates joint counseling sessions with couples, providing practical education on maternal and newborn health, postpartum care, birth spacing, and parenting responsibilities.
This approach ensures that men are not passive observers but active partners in their family's health journey.
Fatherhood and Positive Parenting Education
Through targeted messaging and community activities, Wandikweza promotes the role of fathers in child health, early development, immunization, nutrition, and emotional support.
Fathers are encouraged to be present, nurturing, and informed caregivers, fostering a strong foundation for their children’s growth and well-being.