@misc{98592,
  keywords = {Eye-care, Gender and health, gender-sensitive, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mozambique},
  author = {Light for the World },
  title = {Light for the World Learning Series: Equitable, sustainable eye care for all!  Lessons learned from a gender-sensitive pilot project in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Mozambique},
  abstract = {<p>This learning document summarises findings and observations from the pilot project “Equitable, accessible eye health for all” was implemented in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Mozambique from July 2021 to December 2022. The project aims to guide the planning of future interventions on gender-sensitive eye health. The facts and findings derive from literature review, gender analysis which were conducted in the three implementing regions, internal base line and analysis of service provision data, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with project team members, as well as observations during project implementation.</p>

<p><strong>Goals of the project</strong></p>

<p>• Improve specialist expertise on gender-sensitive eye health by training medical staff</p>

<p>• Encourage more women to seek treatment</p>

<p>• Reach 219,000 patients in hospitals and through 28 mobile outreaches</p>

<p>• Make local health structures more sustainable</p>

<p>• Supply local health centres and hospitals with equipment and consumables</p>

<p>• Systemise good practices on gender equality</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>The pilot-project “Equitable, accessible eye health for all” enabled Light for the World and its partner organisations to initiate processes and activities to enhance gender equality in eye health.</p>

<p>The project led to the following results:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Documentation and analysis of the existing gender gap. Root causes, such as existing social norms and related imbalances in decision making were uncovered.</li>
	<li>Training sessions helped to create more knowledge and understanding of the relationship between gender norms and roles and eye health services among project partners and health care personnel.</li>
	<li>Through information, education and communication strategies, the awareness of the wider community on gender inequalities was enhanced.</li>
	<li>Modifications in the set-up of service delivery enabled better access for women and girls.</li>
</ul>

<p>While the pilot project facilitated the development and testing of new strategies which showed some positive results, the time frame of 1.5 years did not enable changes to deeply rooted patterns and beliefs in society. When moving forward Light for the World and its partners can build on the evidence created and the lessons learned and find allies for a longer-term engagement to tackle gender inequalities.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {Learning Series 02: Equitable, Sustainable eye care for all!},
  pages = {1-16},
  publisher = {Light For The World},
  address = {Vienna},
  url = {https://www.licht-fuer-die-welt.at/app/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/Learning-Series-02_Gendereye-health-EN.pdf},
  language = {Eng},
}