A Right to Life - Sophie Gerrard

Pregnant women gather for an education session, Karanjale, rural Maharashtra, India

In many parts of rural India it is common for women to have little or no say in how many children they will bear, Here they are encouraged to speak out, discus their situations and and be empowered by one another. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Four generations of women from one family, Chaphachapada, Maharashtra, India

Four generations of women from one family, Chaphachapada, Maharashtra, India SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A heavily pregnant young women at the medical centre in Karanjale, rural Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Newborn, 5 days old, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Ranjana Sukadev Ahire, 27, is 9 months pregnant. At this late stage in her pregnancy she must still get up at 5am to carry water, do all the manual housework, work in her fields and look after the children and the animals. Baigau, Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Ranjana Sukadev Ahire, 27, is 9 months pregnant. At this late stage in her pregnancy she must still get up at 5am to carry water, do all the manual housework, work in her fields and look after the children and the animals. Baigau, Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu, SRDP trained auxiliary nurse and midwife at home in Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services. Sindhu talks to the village women, she convinces husbands and mothers-in-law, (the decision makers in the community), of the need to use trained midwives. She explains the importance of hospitals should complications arise and of the importance of early breastfeeding. “I am proud to be a nurse, I used to be very shy, I never left my house. Now I am more bold and confident, I have helped other women become the same. It is because of the project that I am what I am today. I can help others to live and to survive. You can hear my voice today I make a difference.”

Karanjale, rural Maharashtra, India

Before SRDP came to this area there were no roads and no healthcare facilities. The government sub-centres were often locked or unstaffed. In some cases their doors had been locked for years. Women in trouble had no where to go for help and as a result many died. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Baigau, rural Maharashtra, India

In addition to a lack of healthcare facilities, rural women often know very little about their health or family rights. They work at home, are often isolated and struggled in the fields to earn a few rupees to survive. This hard work continues right into the last stages of pregnancy. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A secondary Health Centre, in rural Maharashtraover crowdedExisting local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time.

Existing local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A secondary Health Centre, in rural Maharashtraover crowdedExisting local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time.

Existing local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Baigau, rural Maharashtra, India

In addition to a lack of healthcare facilities, rural women often know very little about their health or family rights. They work at home, are often isolated and struggled in the fields to earn a few rupees to survive. This hard work continues right into the last stages of pregnancy. back arrow

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Baigau, rural Maharashtra, India

In addition to a lack of healthcare facilities, rural women often know very little about their health or family rights. They work at home, are often isolated and struggled in the fields to earn a few rupees to survive. This hard work continues right into the last stages of pregnancy. back arrow

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Baigau, rural Maharashtra, India

In addition to a lack of healthcare facilities, rural women often know very little about their health or family rights. They work at home, are often isolated and struggled in the fields to earn a few rupees to survive. This hard work continues right into the last stages of pregnancy. back arrow

A secondary Health Centre, in rural Maharashtraover crowdedExisting local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time.

Existing local healthcare facilities are often dirty, over crowded and not always accessible. Many are locked with no doctors for days at a time. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A Right To Life

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu treats a young pregnant woman in the village of Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu treats a young pregnant woman in the village of Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Shewanta, 21, 6 months pregnant, Dolhalmal, rural Maharashtra, India

Many young women have no choice but to give birth at home, sometimes alone, with no help, no assistance ond no medical care. Almost one third of all maternal deaths in India are caused by excessive bleeding after delivery.

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Dolhalmal Village, rural Maharashtra, India

In addition to a lack of healthcare facilities, rural women often know very little about their health or family rights. They work at home, are often isolated and struggled in the fields to earn a few rupees to survive. This hard work continues right into the last stages of pregnancy. back arrow

Sindhu, SRDP trained auxiliary nurse and midwife at home in Gonde, she gathers her medical box before home visits, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

Sindhu, SRDP trained auxiliary nurse and midwife at home in Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India. Sindhu talks to the village women, she convinces husbands and mothers-in-law, (the decision makers in the community), of the need to use trained midwives. She explains the importance of hospitals should complications arise and of the importance of early breastfeeding.

Primary Healthcare Centre, run by SRDP, Dolhalmal Village, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu's medical bag, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu's medical box, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu holds Lahu, 4 months, Aad, rural Maharashtra, India

Satyabhama,18, and Lahu, 4 months, Aad, rural Maharashtra, India

In the villages where SRDP work, thanks to the project, the lives of many women and their babies are being saved. back arrow

Batta, SRDP Community Health Worker, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

"If the health programe was not here women would still be in a poor situation in these villages. They would not be aware of immunisation schedules, pregnancy related complaints, family planning programmes or general health. SRDP has made all that possible."

Painted house door, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Batta, SRDP Community Health Worker, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

"If the health programe was not here women would still be in a poor situation in these villages. They would not be aware of immunisation schedules, pregnancy related complaints, family planning programmes or general health. SRDP has made all that possible."

Batta, SRDP Community Health Worker, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

"If the health programe was not here women would still be in a poor situation in these villages. They would not be aware of immunisation schedules, pregnancy related complaints, family planning programmes or general health. SRDP has made all that possible."

Village home made with mud walls and floor. Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A Right To Life

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Not all women can get to the government institutions; to help bridge this gap, SRDP trains traditional midwives in safe and hygienic practices to ensure a safe delivery.SRDP educate DAIS (or traditional midwives) so that traditional maternal health can b

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Not all women can get to the government institutions; to help bridge this gap, SRDP trains traditional midwives in safe and hygienic practices to ensure a safe delivery. SRDP educate DAIS (or traditional midwives) so that traditional maternal health can b

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Batta, an SRDP nurse, waits through the night with Asha Subhash Gabhale whilst she gives birth. Chaphachapada, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Asha Subhash Gabhale's newborn daughter. 2 hours old. Chaphachapada, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Asha Subhash Gabhale's with her newborn daughter, 2 hours old. Chaphachapada, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Batta, an SRDP nurse, leaves the village home of 20 year old Asha Subhash after being with her all night as she gave birth to her daughter. Chaphachapada, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Women carry out their chores in villages in rural Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Women carry out their chores in villages in rural Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu's home, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu's mother in law prepares onions, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Pregnant women gather for an education session, Karanjale, rural Maharashtra, India

An evening screening, organised and run by SRDP shows villagers short films and animations about healthcare, family planning, nutrition, pregnancy and other health issues. In many parts of rural India it is common for women to have little or no say in how many children they will bear, Here they are encouraged to speak out, discus their situations and and be empowered by one another. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Nutrition notices and posters line the walls at a medical centre for pregnant women and new mothers. Karanjale, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Community Health Centre, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

In India, women are entitled to three Government Health Checks during pregnancy. It is estimated that fewer than 8% of rural women access these checks. SRDP are working to give women the access they need to these essential services. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

India has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. It is due to a lack of skilled birth attendants, no access to comprehensive reproductive health services, and inadequate emergency care. It is undoubtably the poorest women who suffer the most.

Chandarbhaga Mahale and her 4 day old son, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Chandarbhaga Mahale and her 4 day old son, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

Newborn in a traditional village cot, Dolhalmal, Maharashtra, India

Newborn in a traditional village cot, Dolhalmal, Maharashtra, India Young mothers in rural areas are anaemic due to malnutrition. As a result they give birth to underweight and malnourished babies. Very shortly after giving birth, because of a lack of any family planning education, they fall pregnant again. The cycle of poverty continues. back arrow

Ranjana Sukadev Ahire, 27, is 9 months pregnant. At this late stage in her pregnancy she must still get up at 5am to carry water, do all the manual housework, work in her fields and look after the children and the animals. Baigau, Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A Right To Life

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Ante natel and post natel clinic opening hours, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

Through clinics like these in rural villages, women have a place to gather, to meet, to ask questions and to understand their rights. Sindu's education as a nurse is educating others. SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A Right To Life

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

A Right To Life

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Villages in rural Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Girls walk to school, rural Maharashtra, India.

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu's home, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Village home, Aad, Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Sindhu administers vitamins to a pregnant village girl, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Manisha Kamdi, 22, 5 months pregnant, receives iron supplements and folic acid, Aad, India

"Women in this village used to be unaware about things relating to pregnancy. The situation was very poor. We didn't know anthing about registering the birth, tests to check the baby's health, injections or our own diet. Now we have that information". SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Durga Wagh, 21, 6 months pregnant, receives iron supplements and folic acid, Aad, India

"I've been taught about what investigations I must do during the pregnancy, especially my first trimester. I know about tetanus injections, and I've been for blood checks." SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Durga Wagh, 21, 6 months pregnant, receives iron supplements and folic acid, Aad, India

"I've been taught about what investigations I must do during the pregnancy, especially my first trimester. I know about tetanus injections, and I've been for blood checks." SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Aambai, with her granddaughter Sushma, 4, Aad, rural Maharashtra, India

Aambai, with her granddaughter Sushma, 4, Aad, rural Maharashtra, India SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Ranjana Pagi, 22 with Parveen, 5 months. Aad, Maharashtra,, India

Ranjana Pagi, 22 with Parveen, 5 months. Aad, Maharashtra,, India SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Batta, SRDP Community Health Worker, Baigau, Maharashtra, India

"If the health programe was not here women would still be in a poor situation in these villages. They would not be aware of immunisation schedules, pregnancy related complaints, family planning programmes or general health. SRDP has made all that possible."

Sindhu, SRDP trained auxiliary nurse and midwife at home in Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

Sindhu, SRDP trained auxiliary nurse and midwife at home in Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India “I am proud to be a nurse, I used to be very shy, I never left my house. Now I am more bold and confident, I have helped other women become the same. It is because of the project that I am what I am today. I can help others to live and to survive. You can hear my voice today I make a difference.”

Sindhu's home, Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.

Gonde, rural Maharashtra, India

SRDP train local women to become qualified auxiliary nurses and midwives. The project empowers local women as Community Health Workers who play a vital role in enabling women to access all available Government health services.