Oral History and the Current State of Maternal Health among Nias Women
Keywords:
maternal health, women’s health, local norm, social norm, gender imbalanceAbstract
Maternal health has long been a central concern for the global community. This is because maternal health is considered a key indicator of public health progress and a reflection of commitment to humanitarian values. Maternal health is influenced by a wide range of factors, with cultural norms playing a particularly significant role. These norms are often inherited traditions passed down orally from previous generations. They serve as moral guidelines for women to follow in their daily lives. Unfortunately, embedded within these norms are perspectives that disadvantage women and have serious consequences for women’s health. This short report highlights the situation of Nias women, an ethnic group in Indonesia that faces severe maternal health challenges. Drawing on field experiences and excerpts from informants’ narratives, the report illustrates how long-standing cultural norms compel Nias women to conform to a rigid social system, ultimately resulting in poor maternal and child health outcomes.References
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