We asked our 🌍 international Rakuten Viber community of 1500 community health workers ( #CHWs ) what has stopped them from advocating for themselves as proCHWs, for example at conferences. And how connecting with other CHWs has helped overcome these barriers. Here's what they said! 🧵

.Milka Mbugua a CHW from MOHKENYA 🇰🇪faced:
❌Lack of confidence, which must be built (with other skills)
❌Not being recognised as worthy of participation
❌Lack of devices & insufficient data funds
❌Lacking travel documents
❌No funds set aside for #CHWs for transport costs

Being part of a group of #CHWs advocating for themselves made Milka Mbugua feel:
🎉Humbled, unique & grateful
🎉Overjoyed at the transformation in her community, after persuading people to adopt health-seeking behaviours, leading to fewer hospital visits!
chwadvocates.app

.Prossie Muyingo a CHW from Uganda🇺🇬, supported by Living Goods said:
❌ #CHWs can be unaware of the significance of attending conferences and sharing our views
❌There's insufficient training and supplies for CHW advocacy, including involving CHWs in discussing major policies

Being part of a group of #CHWs advocating for themselves made Prossie Muyingo feel:
🎉Completely committed to my dream & willing to go to any length to achieve it. It is a blessing, a call from God to be a community health worker, which is why I believe in myself & other CHWs.

.Jane nelima a CHW from MOHKENYA 🇰🇪said:
❌We're not told about conferences - people believe our opinions are meaningless
❌Until we trained we didn't realise we could be heard by community advocacy
❌Another impediment is the need for travel documents and financial resources

Being part of a group of #CHWs advocating for themselves made Jane nelima feel like her world has begun 🎉

'I feel very strong and energetic now, and I can work with vigor knowing that someone somewhere recognizes my efforts.'

.@fidelisodeke a CHW from MOHKENYA 🇰🇪faced:
❌Problems communicating, due to different mobile networks, poor networks and lack of access to devices
❌Lack of provided qualifications
❌A preference for female speakers, leaving him to feel left out

Being part of a group of #CHWs advocating for themselves made @fidelisodeke feel:
🎉Proud
🎉Recognised and appreciated by the community
🎉Relied upon for decision making, so uniquely valued

.Ouma Haduba a CHW from MOHKENYA 🇰🇪faced:
❌Lack of finance & sponsors for accommodation & transport
❌Lack of government support
❌Poor internet connectivity for virtual meetings
❌Lack of mentorship programs