A change story from the edge of civilization
Sitting in a circle under thick forest canopy, Jenu Kuruba women attend the monthly Mothers Meeting conducted by the RCH Program in Balle Hadi. Their discussions progress from low haemoglobin count, a pending visit to the hospital due to an unsupportive partner, challenges in using contraceptives, birth spacing and gradually move on to topics that can't be found in community health textbooks. Dwindling population, early marriage (union), poor nutrition, poverty and inaccessibility of health care are some of the challenges these women face making them one of the most vulnerable groups in low income societies. Still the tone of their voice is not of someone who is complaining. In every meeting there's an active participation and contribution towards solving each other's problems and seeking what is best for them. Acting as peer influencers, many mothers in Balle Hadi and other tribal hamlets encourage pregnant women to attend Mothers Meetings and opt for institutional de
