1. Dexter Chagwena Founding Director Nutri@ctive Zimbabwe Supporting Breastfeeding in the Formal & Informal Sector: Roles of CSOs

2. Zimbabwe Population 14 million Area 390,580 km²

3. Presentation Outline Background Traditional strategies to support breastfeeding – Formal and Informal Sectors Roles of CSOs in supporting breastfeeding Nutri@ctive “NEW” approach to support breastfeeding Conclusion

4. Background Most women of child-bearing age are working – Formal and informal sector Breastfeeding rates- 98% Optimal breastfeeding still a challenge in African countries i.e. Zimbabwe – 41% of infants less than 6 months of age were exclusively breastfed – 18% continued breastfeeding up to 2 years (MICS 2014)

5. Where are we missing it? Mothers believe it is difficult to breastfeed while going to work – Culture of undermining breastfeeding – Unavailability of baby-friendly working environments – Short maternity leave; 3 months when EBF has to extend up to 6 months Young mothers’ negative attitude towards breastfeeding – Are we not making enough noise? Or Are we not fighting for our children’s rights adequately? Aggressive marketing of BMS products whilst legislation enforcement is inefficient Do we understand the young generation adequately ? – Is promotion of breast milk feeding the solution to our urban women? Do we assess impact of breastfeeding promoting programmes? Increased knowledge among the public but less adherence to IYCF guidelines

6. Research to Practice Gap. RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION PRACTICE

7. Roles of CSOs in Breastfeeding Support Strategies Community implementation partners Exploring new areas – New innovations in breastfeeding promotion and IYCF programming – Cost-effective solutions to address community health problems Resource mobilization Accountability to communities (transparency) Making noise to advocate for enabling policies – Need for coordinated efforts to ensure maximum resource utilization – Roles of established bodies e.g. IBFAN Africa for bringing together & coordinating efforts across the continent & the globe

8. Strategies to support breastfeeding: Formal Sector Improved breastfeeding practices Youth led activities Community activities Health Care facility support Maternity Protection Initiatives Use of social media Advocacy and Communication

9. New Approaches to Support Breastfeeding Social Mobilization – Innovative approaches for young generation – Cost-effectiveness. Target audience – Informal sector, young mothers, fathers/husbands, influential community members – Let the young generation lead Appreciation of social networking & the “cascade effect” (Fowler & Christakis, 2010). – Diffusion of information through a community (Kim et al, 2015)

10. CSOs Breastfeeding Support in Zimbabwe Nutri@ctive coordinated national approach Mobilization for youths and young people ICT platforms for support – Mobile sms, telephone support (breastfeeding hotlines) – Social media (Facebook, WhatsApp) e.g. Pregnant Moms – Web support (websites & LACTOR system) e.g. La Leche approach, Advocacy at all levels – Youth involvement and participation – Meetings with company executives, Parliamentarians – Scaling Up Nutrition role of ZCSOSUNA

11. Exploring new avenues Supporting BF in the informal sector focusing on domestic employees (maids), vendors, – Coordinate project with workplace interventions for trained maids Promoting culture of breastmilk feeding rather than infant formula feeding – Cultural issues of handling breastmilk Curricula development & accreditation/certification of breastfeeding/lactation helpers in local hospitals Short tutorial videos illustrating BF positioning and attachment – Target young mothers – Fusion with social media; Facebook and WhatsApp

12. Strategies to support breastfeeding: Formal Sector Health care facility support – IYCF training for HWs (education & counselling) – BFHI Community support strategies – home visits – community & church groups – Breastfeeding friendly workplaces (Maternity Protection Initiatives) ICT platforms for support – 24hr pager access, telephone support (breastfeeding hotlines) – Social media (Facebook, Craigslist, WhatsApp) – Web support (websites & LACTOR system)

13. Edutainment campaigns BF promotion in Churches Social Media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) Breastfeeding hotlines Other Platforms (Informal) Policies and structures supporting breastfeeding available. Coordinated Health Facilitis & Community Support structures Difficulty in targeting women in the informal sector Opportunities & Challenges Lactation rooms (MP) Breastfeeding breaks Mother-to-mother support groups Onsite and or nearby child care centers Promotion & education at health facility Traditional Breastfeeding Support

14. Who is Nutri@ctive Zimbabwe? Impact nutrition programmes Professionals & Students (mentorship) Research & Implementation Multidisciplinary approach (smart partnerships)

15. Nutri@ctive Approach to Support Breastfeeding Code Monitoring – Training youths on IYCF code i.e. whistle blowers Community support strategies Social Mobilization among youths and young women – Breastfeeding friendly workplaces (Maternity Protection Initiatives) – Women social networks as BF support groups – Community & church groups – Informal sector support groups

17. Breastfeeding 2ose 2gether Project Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding among youths and working women through Human Rights and Gender Equality

18. This is my story….

19. Thank you!.