In its unwavering commitment to improving the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) landscape for young girls and women with disabilities in Oyo State, the PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation) is making significant strides with the implementation of the AmplifyChange-funded EMBASSY Project. A recent milestone in this journey was the successful completion of a two-day training session for data collectors and the development of tools for mapping key stakeholders, setting the stage for a Stakeholders Consultation and Consensus meeting scheduled for January 2024.
Mapping Stakeholders: A Strategic Approach
Recognizing the complexity of the issues at hand, PLAN Foundation is adopting a strategic approach by mapping stakeholders crucial to the success of the EMBASSY Project. This comprehensive mapping exercise includes identifying key decision-makers, influencers, SRH services providers, relevant ministries and agencies, groups of persons with disabilities, and healthcare workers training institutions. The mapping process will also delve into understanding policy-making processes, ensuring a holistic understanding of the ecosystem within which the project operates.
Training and Tools Development
The recent two-day training session, led by PLAN Foundation’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Johnson Ayoola, and supported by Program Officer Ifedayo Osemwegie, was a crucial step in preparing data collectors for the intricate task of stakeholder mapping. The training equipped the team with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the diverse landscape of stakeholders, fostering a deeper understanding of the social and institutional dynamics at play.
In parallel, the development of tools tailored for the mapping exercise ensures a systematic and thorough approach. These tools are designed to capture nuanced information about each stakeholder group, enabling PLAN Foundation to formulate targeted and effective strategies during the subsequent phases of the EMBASSY Project.
Upcoming Stakeholders Consultation and Consensus Meeting
The data collected through the mapping exercise will serve as the foundation for the Stakeholders Consultation and Consensus meeting scheduled for January 2024. This meeting will provide a platform for diverse voices to come together, share insights, and collaboratively shape the direction of the EMBASSY Project. The engagement of key stakeholders is instrumental in ensuring the project’s relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability.
Baseline Survey: A Blueprint for Success
Following the mapping exercise, PLAN Foundation plans to conduct a baseline survey that will serve as the benchmark for measuring the success of the EMBASSY Project. This survey will capture essential data on the current state of sexual and reproductive health services, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. The findings will guide the project’s interventions, allowing for a targeted and evidence-based approach.
Acknowledging AmplifyChange‘s Support
PLAN Foundation expresses gratitude for the crucial support provided by AmplifyChange’s Opportunity Grant. This funding has been instrumental in facilitating the planning and execution of these preparatory activities, enabling the organization to take meaningful steps towards realizing the goals of the EMBASSY Project.
Moving Forward: Field Data Collection and Beyond
As the mapping team prepares to venture into the field for data collection throughout the coming week, PLAN Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusiveness in sexual and reproductive health. The insights gathered during this phase will not only inform the Stakeholders Consultation and Consensus meeting but will also shape the trajectory of the EMBASSY Project, setting the stage for transformative change in Oyo State.
In the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, PLAN Foundation looks forward to the collective efforts of stakeholders, acknowledging that true change is born out of diverse perspectives coming together to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
