During the EMPOWER-D intervention sessions, community members were encouraged to learn more about blood pressure (BP), diabetes, and how to check BP and blood sugar levels. One female community member showed a strong interest in learning how to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Our Community Mobilizer trained her on how to use a BP apparatus and glucometer.
What started as a simple learning opportunity soon became a meaningful step towards community leadership.
From Participant to Community Leader
After receiving the training, she became the leader of one of the PLA groups in Garhi Faizullah 1, Block 33, Chamkini. She decided to make herself available one day every week so that women in her community could check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels without having to travel to a hospital or local dispensary.
To support this initiative, she bought her own BP apparatus and glucometer. She provides these checks free of cost, only asking community members to bring their own glucometer strips.
A Community Initiative Led by a Woman
This initiative has made BP and blood sugar checks easier and more accessible for women in the area. Many women shared that weekly visits to hospitals or local dispensaries for checks was difficult for them.
Now, having someone from their own community who can provide these basic checks has given them greater convenience, confidence, and motivation to take care of their health.
Visiting the Community and Seeing the Change
After learning about this inspiring initiative, Gul Ghutai from the research team visited the field on the same day. She met the women involved, observed the activity, and recorded their experiences and the positive response from the community.
The Community Mobilizers were also very happy to see how their efforts had encouraged a community member to take responsibility and support others.
The visit ended with a joyful moment as the women came together for a photograph, proudly showing their victory signs.
For the EMPOWER-D team, this was more than just a photograph. It represented confidence, community ownership, women’s leadership, and the power of small actions to create meaningful change.
A Proud Moment for the EMPOWER-D Team
This is a great example of how community engagement can go beyond awareness sessions. A woman who initially joined as a community member is now helping others in her community.
The EMPOWER-D team is especially proud to see this kind of community-led change in rural areas, where simple and locally driven initiatives can make health services more accessible.
From learning to leading, this woman has shown that when communities are given the right knowledge and support, they can become powerful agents of change.
Written by Gul Ghutai (KMU EMPOWER-D team).
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