Networking
Ensuring that mothers have safe pregnancies, that newborns are healthy, and that families are able to have the number of children they want, requires the removal of barriers to quality family planning and reproductive health services. These barriers are often the result of ineffective systems – systems such as national policies, the delivery of desired contraceptives (particularly to rural areas) and coordination among the many groups invested in change. Change requires leaders who understand how systems work and who can break away from previously ineffective actions. It also requires the ability to mobilize people to work toward a shared vision. Most importantly, it requires leaders working together. It’s the collective action of many that can make a difference.
The LDM program worked closely with Leadership Fellows to create networks that enabled them to learn together and collectively work for change. In all five countries, geographic networks have formed to facilitate more regular contact, which is especially important in countries where access to internet technology is still challenging. Some countries established thematic interest groups. Examples include Pakistan’s adolescent sexual and reproductive health interest group and India’s group of individuals interested in the integration of family planning and HIV/AIDS. Nigeria has a strong network of Islamic scholars who are committed to population and reproductive health and are able to work effectively with local traditional and religious leaders. In the Philippines, a new network has formed of Catholics interested in speaking out for reproductive health. These are only a few examples among many networks and interest groups that have emerged in response to the diversity of contexts, challenges and opportunities in each country.
The LDM program effectively engaged in social media, such as internet discussion groups and list serves, to help the network members stay connected. An LDM Wiki was established to create an on-line space to share information, training designs, articles, and event details. Some networks have also established pages on Facebook. In collaboration with the Global Information Internship Project (GIIP) many Leadership Fellows learned how to use Blogs to share information about themselves and their organizations.
LDM program staff and Leadership Fellows believed in the importance of the entire network of Leadership Fellows to periodically gather together to take stock, share information, and re-energize themselves to continue tackling the difficult issues that lay ahead. Periodic national conferences of Leadership Fellows were opportunities for individuals to reconnect, share experiences, and keep up to date with the changing environment.