On June 26, the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD) met with three child mental development experts from Monash University (Australia), along with two experts on gender equality and violence prevention against women and children from the Prevention Collaborative (United States).
During the meeting, RTCCD shared updates on its efforts to integrate information on gender equality and the elimination of gender stereotypes by promoting the role of husbands and fathers in childcare and child development during the first 2,000 days of life. This information is presented through video clips in online courses. A complete practical parenting guide will also be used in vaccination sessions at health stations, maternity and pediatric hospitals, and private vaccination centers.
Dr. Kate Ruti, an expert from the Prevention Collaborative, gave a presentation on the health and developmental challenges faced by children who witness and/or experience violence. Drawing on lessons from projects that successfully increased male participation in African countries, Monash University experts and the RTCCD project team discussed and agreed on a plan to integrate messages fostering supportive environments for women and children into the online video materials.
The meeting aimed to further develop strategies that encourage the participation of both family members and local organizations. Ultimately, these efforts will help create conditions that ensure women and children receive better material support and emotional care in the future.
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