The Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) of Cavite State University (CvSU) conducted a webinar on May 08, 2024, via Zoom and Facebook Live, focusing on the theme “Inay, Espesyal ka! Empowering Motherhood: Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Maternal Health.”
This event is in celebration of Mother’s Day and aims to highlight the anatomy of female reproductive system and its role in pregnancy childbirth. This webinar also seeks to understand the hormonal and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum, describe the numerous contraceptives and their benefits and risk, increase awareness on gender disparities and barriers faced by women in accessing safe and inclusive maternal health services, foster deeper understanding of the social determinants of maternal health, and the importance of addressing gender inequalities and social disparities in improving maternal health outcomes.
In her opening message, Dr. Aisha H. Diquit, OIC of the University Health Services, shared some thoughts about maternal health.
The first resource person, Ms. Suzanne B. Alcantara, RM, is an expert in the field of maternal health. Her extensive knowledge and experience in midwifery provided invaluable insights into the critical aspects of maternal health, including the anatomy of the female reproductive organs, the physiological and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum, and the importance of maternal health in the postpartum period. Ms. Alcantara stressed the importance of a holistic approach to postpartum care, recognizing that the well-being of the mother directly impacts the health and development of the newborn.
Mr. King David J. Agreda, Certified GAD Resource Pool Member Batch 2 CALABARZON and President of CvSU MOVE KATROPA, discussed the topic about engaging men and communities in maternal health. He tackled family planning and maternal care works that benefit both parties. The speaker also highlighted the importance of vasectomy and its effect physically and economically in the family or community where the man belongs, debunking the myths and misconceptions when it comes to family planning. Mr. Agreda also talked about KATROPA’s flagship program when it comes to the involvement of men in terms of maternal health care and empowering them to engage actively in family planning.
In addition, Mr. Agreda provided an in-depth explanation of the advantages of male participation in family planning, safe sex practices, and maternal care. According to him, active fatherhood plays a significant role in preventing unplanned pregnancies, and is a shared responsibility between men and women in the home, family, and community.
Mr. Sunny Rose M. Ferrera delivered the closing speech on behalf of Dr. Evelyn M. Del Mundo, Dean College of Nursing. He thanked everyone for their valuable support and unwavering commitment which were instrumental in the successful conduct of the event.
