NGO Sector

In Uttar Pradesh, the family plays an important role in decision making related to acceptance of MCH and FP services. Further, religion has a powerful influence on the family.

Studies show that acceptance of the small family norm is less in the muslim community. Along with factors like low literacy and cultural preference, one crucial determinant of large family size is the predominant belief that family planning is forbidden in Islam. This issue can best be tackled by a strategy to involve religious leaders and scholars in the promotion of family planning.

A series of meetings were held with religious leaders in six districts to sensitize them on the issue. Over 800 leaders representing different religions participated in these meetings. NGO projects operating in muslim dominated areas involved the Imams in the programme to prevent any religious conflicts in the area. Amin Welfare Trust, an NGO working in Kanpur Nagar district, was very successful in their efforts. They got the Imams in their area to make announcements about MCH activities during namaz at mosques every Friday. This reassured the people that the RCH programme had the support of religious leaders which generated tremendous enthusiasm for accessing services.

Another unique project aimed at generating support of religious leaders for family planning and MCH was implemented by PEACE (Programme for Ethical and Cultural Enterprises), an NGO in Saharanpur district.

The project sought to dispel myths related to religion, break down communication barriers and build a strong public opinion in favour of reproductive and child health. For this purpose, a national seminar, a district level workshop, 11 block level workshops and 80 village level workshops were held. Many of the village workshops were organized with the help of trained village-based volunteers. .

The workshops were planned with extreme care. Any disrespect to Islamic beliefs or the clergy could lead to serious repercussions. It was hence necessary to establish credibility at the very outset. The national seminar succeeded in doing just that. Eminent scholars participated and endorsed the programme. Those who spoke included Syed Hamid, Chancellor Jamia Millia Islamia & Syed Shahabuddin, the well-known politician.

Among the participants were a large number of Imams of Mosques, Hafizs (the memorizers of Quran), mudarrisin (Madarsa teachers) and Hajis. It was also successful in mobilizing support among the opinion leaders. Participation of women, who seldom venture out for such workshops, though small, was noteworthy. The project trained 110 volunteers to carry the message forward. Of these, 25% were women.

Evaluation of the project by an independent agency showed a marked increase in awareness of RCH issues among the muslim opinion leaders.