Samaritan's Purse conducted a focus group discussion with 13 Islamic religious leaders in Tizegorou, Niger on family planning and gender-based violence. A pre-test showed some misconceptions about these issues, while the post-test demonstrated that the training was useful and effective, as participants' understanding improved and they planned to address these issues in their communities. The discussion was part of Samaritan's Purse's efforts to mobilize Islamic communities in Niger to promote maternal and child health through transparent discussions of their evangelical identity and working with local authorities.

1. Bruce Larkin, MPH
July 16th 2017
Mobilizing Islamic Communities to be
Engaged in Maternal & Child Health

2. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
Niger
https://www.africaguide.com/country/niger/

3. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
• Approach
• Transparent explanations of Samaritan’s Purse’s
evangelical identity from the beginning of the intervention.
• Have parallel teaching times with local authorities to
reinforce trainings on taboo subjects.
• Find creative and sustainable ways for the community to
contribute.

4. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
Maternity Ward

5. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
Maternity Ward

6. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®

7. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
Pre-Test Response Post-Test Response
Question True
(n=12)
% True
(n=13)
%
Family planning involves the permanent cessation of pregnancies. 8 66.67% 0 0.00%
The Koran emphasizes promoting maternal health and breast-feeding. 11 91.67% 13 100.00%
The Koran forbids the practice of Family Planning. 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Men are just as frequently victims of violence as women. 2 16.67% 0 0.00%
Husbands have the right to force their wives to engage in sexual
intercourse.
0 0.00% 5 38.46%
Religious and community leaders have the responsibility to advocate for
girls who are victims of sexual violence.
11 91.67% 13 100.00%
Most perpetrators of gender-based violence are strangers to their
victims.
11 91.67% 13 100.00%
Table 1. Pre-Test and Post-Test Responses for the Focus Group Discussion with 13
Islamic Religious Leaders on Family Planning and Gender Based Violence in Tizegorou,
Niger.

8. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
Post-Test Response
Question Agree (n=13) %
I found this training to be useful in understanding the issues
concerning Family Planning and Gender Based Violence.
13 100.00
%
As a result of this training, I plan on addressing the issues of
Family Planning and Gender Based Violence in my
community
13 100.00
%
Table 2. Responses to the “Agree or Disagree” Section of the Post-Test for the Focus
Group Discussion with 13 Islamic Religious Leaders on Family Planning and Gender
Based Violence in Tizegorou, Niger.

9. • S A M A R I T A N ’ S P U R S E ®
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and Family Planning at the Community Level: a Training Manual. Extending Service Delivery (ESD) project.
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de l’Enfant et de la Femme au Niger – 2008.
• UNICEF. 2000. Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls. Florence, Italy: UNICEF. Website http://tyei.com.pk/wp-
content/uploads/2015/10/domestic-violenceagainst-women-and-girls.pdf
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2016. Web. 16 May 2017. http://www.unfpa.org/swop
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