Husbands and partners
Improving health outcomes for women, children and families requires a holistic, family-centered approach that recognizes the vital role of men. Wandikweza integrates husbands and partners into its maternal and child health programming as key contributors to positive health behaviors and outcomes. Evidence consistently shows that when men are informed, supportive and actively engaged, families experience better care, increased access to services and improved overall well-being.
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In many rural communities across Malawi, cultural norms and limited access to information often exclude men from participating in reproductive, maternal and newborn health. This gap can result in delays in care, limited birth preparedness and insufficient support for women and children. Wandikweza addresses this by promoting male involvement through targeted education, couple-focused counseling and community dialogue. When men understand danger signs in pregnancy, encourage antenatal visits or participate in birth planning, they help ensure timely care. Similarly, when fathers are involved in child health, nutrition and immunizations, children are more likely to thrive both physically and emotionally.
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.