Increasing women's engagement in vector control: a report from Accelerate To Equal project workshops

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Vector-borne diseases pose significant global health challenges.
• Sustained vector control interventions require broad community support and participation.
• The role of women in public health initiatives, particularly in vector control, is often underutilized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and roles of women in vector control in Kenya and Indonesia.
• To identify strategies for enhancing women's involvement in sustained vector control efforts.
• To foster multi-level and multi-sectoral support for vector control interventions through women's engagement.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research through workshops involving diverse stakeholders.
• Engagement with academic, governmental (national and local), and community representatives.
• Cross-cultural comparison of findings from Kenya (2017) and Indonesia (2018).

Main Results:

• Women are key actors in daily vector control practices within communities.
• Stakeholders recognize the potential of women to enhance intervention sustainability.
• Barriers to women's full participation include socio-cultural norms and limited access to resources and decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Empowering women is essential for strengthening vector control programs.
• Tailored strategies are needed to accelerate women's involvement at all levels.
• Integrated approaches involving multiple sectors are crucial for effective and sustainable vector control.