by Gqibelo Dandala, Executive Director, One to One Africa
"Wathinta abafazi, wathint’imbokodo!" This South African chant translates to "strike women, and you strike a rock," highlighting the incredible strength and resilience of women. It not only warns of the solid resistance one would meet upon challenging a woman but underscores the profound impact of a woman deliberately charting her course. A testament to this resilience is evident in the mentor mothers at One To One Africa, embodying the essence of this saying.
Kilometre by kilometre, our mentor mothers journey from home to home in the villages we serve, ensuring every mother and child receives the healthcare they rightfully deserve. While their primary focus is maternal and child health, they do not neglect anyone in need. Every individual, regardless of age or gender, is provided with primary health assistance, embodying the universal human right to healthcare. With immense pride, we anticipate the launch of the One To One Mobile Clinic in September 2023, an initiative proposed by our dedicated mentor mothers in response to the needs they observed firsthand.
Surprisingly, many overlook the vital human right to maternal health care. Without it, our very existence would be at stake. While many label it as solely a women's issue, at One To One, we fervently advocate for its recognition as a human rights issue. Our endeavours include engaging diverse societal sectors to champion maternal health. For instance, our Male Engagement programme seeks to involve men in traditionally female-dominated dialogues, such as the significance of breastfeeding. Although maternal health discussions were notably lacking at this year's UN Women Conference, we are intent on leading the narrative at the 2024 conference. We aim to establish maternal health as a fundamental human right deserving of widespread discussion and investment.
At the core of One To One Africa lies women — the subject, the method, and the motive. Our leadership mirrors this central theme at all levels: organisational, programmatic, and grassroots. Our commitment to women's multifaceted roles will be evident at the "Dualities: Women's Empowerment in Africa" exhibition in London, running 20th-25th November 2023. Partnering with the artist fellowship programme, Undiscovered Canvas, founded by a woman from one of the remote villages we serve, we will spotlight emerging female South African artists, illuminating the diverse facets encapsulated in "Wathinta abafazi, wathint’imbokodo!"
As we champion the right to maternal health, we understand that both female and male perspectives are indispensable. This belief is mirrored in our initiatives, from the Male Engagement programme to the inclusive Adolescent programme. We, at One To One Africa, are not merely advocates. We present evidence-based strategies that promote community-wide engagement, ensuring maternal health is recognised and upheld as an unassailable human right.
Photo: © Rob Piper 2023