Hope Health Pharmacy - N’djamena Chad
Email - rahmabeju@gmail.com
Members - Aichatou Djibrine, Fatna Hassan Mahamat, Amira Abakar Adoum, Rahma Youssouf Moussa, Mouna Ali Mahamat, Amina Idriss Déby, Zakia Hassan Idriss, Narguis Mahamat Saleh, Khadija Abderahmane Brahim, Hadjara Oumar Mahamat, Fadila Aboubacar Issa, Soumia Abdoulaye Ba, Mariam Mahamat Abakar, Aïcha Oumarou Souley, Fatoumata Amadou Issa, Ramatou Yacouba Oumarou, Bintou Mamadou Diallo, Kadidja Aboubacar Hassane, Hawa Idriss Mahamat, Dalila Abdoulaye Moussa
Why We are Humanists
I’m Rahma, and over the years, I’ve seen a profound shift in the women around me in N'Djamena. Growing up, we were taught to accept traditional roles: getting married young, having children, and taking care of the home. These practices were deeply embedded in our culture, and many of us thought there was no other way. But things began to change, especially as more women started to gain access to education. I saw younger women, with the knowledge they were gaining, begin to question the restrictions placed on them. They were not content to follow the path laid out for them without asking why. As they learned about humanism, an ideology that values human dignity, equality, and the right to make decisions for oneself, many of us began to wonder: why shouldn’t we challenge traditions that limit our freedoms?
As women began to educate themselves, both in formal settings and through exposure to global conversations on gender equality and personal autonomy, many found empowerment in the idea of humanism. Humanism teaches us that every individual, regardless of gender, deserves respect, equality, and the freedom to make decisions based on reason and personal values. For us women in N'Djamena, this ideology resonated deeply. We have realized we didn’t have to accept outdated practices simply because they were traditional. Instead, We could pursue education, build careers, and choose our own life paths without fear of judgment or punishment. The more we learned, the more we embraced the idea that our value wasn’t tied to our roles as wives or mothers but to our abilities and our rights as human beings.
One of the turning points for many of us was the increasing access to social media and global movements for women's rights. We started seeing stories of women from all over the world who fought against similar patriarchal structures. Their courage inspired us. It was empowering to see that other women had managed to break free from oppressive cultural norms, and it made us believe that we could do the same. The realization that we were not alone in our desire for change sparked a collective awakening. Women who had once felt isolated in their struggles began to find each other, share experiences, and support one another. This solidarity fueled a growing movement, and more women started to identify with humanism as a framework for their fight for freedom and equality.
For me, the change wasn’t sudden, it was gradual, and it was shaped by the conversations I had with other women. Many of us began to realize that the life we were expected to lead didn’t have to be our destiny. We didn’t need to conform to practices that limited our freedom or potential. Economic independence, education, and global awareness were key factors that allowed us to see the world differently. As we began to turn towards humanism, we didn’t just reject outdated traditions; we began to build a new vision of what it means to be a woman in N'Djamena, a vision where we are equals, free to make our own choices and live with dignity. This journey, though not always easy, is one I believe more and more women will continue to embrace.
Purpose of the group, and projects we are planning.
The Humanist Hope Women Health Pharmacy, to be established in N'Djamena, is designed to serve the local community by focusing on improving the health and well-being of women. One of the primary goals of this initiative is to provide affordable and accessible healthcare products and services specifically tailored to the needs of women. This could include essential medications, reproductive health supplies, family planning services, and treatments for common women’s health conditions such as menstrual disorders, pregnancy care, and menopause-related issues. The pharmacy aims to ensure that women have access to the care they need without barriers of cost or accessibility.
In addition to providing medical supplies and treatments, the pharmacy is likely to play an important role in educating women about their health. This could involve offering guidance on preventive care, sexual and reproductive health, and managing conditions that disproportionately affect women. Health education programs could empower women with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, thus improving overall well-being in the community. By addressing important health topics, the pharmacy would also work to reduce the stigma that sometimes surrounds discussions of women's health.
Another key purpose of the Humanist Hope Women Health Pharmacy is to serve as a support system for the local community. Located in N'Djamena, the pharmacy would become a trusted resource where women can seek advice, medications, and care in a safe and supportive environment. It would provide a space where women feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and receiving the help they need. By fostering a sense of trust and empowerment, the pharmacy aims to improve women’s autonomy over their own healthcare choices.
The "Humanist" aspect of the pharmacy suggests that it will focus on not just the physical but also the emotional and psychological health of women. The pharmacy may offer counseling services, mental health support, and other resources aimed at addressing the holistic well-being of women. This approach ensures that women's health is viewed in a comprehensive manner, acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional health alongside physical health.
Additionally, the pharmacy is likely to advocate for women's health rights, ensuring that women in the community are aware of their rights to access quality healthcare. By raising awareness and working alongside local organizations, the pharmacy could help address broader social issues, such as gender inequality and cultural barriers to healthcare. It may also collaborate with healthcare providers to improve the overall healthcare system in N'Djamena, particularly in relation to women's health.
In summary, the Humanist Hope Women Health Pharmacy is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services, education, and emotional support to women in N'Djamena. Through its efforts, it aims to empower women, promote health equity, and enhance access to care, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of women's health and well-being in the community.
Here is a list of what we plan on doing :
Provision of affordable reproductive health products
Family planning services and counseling
Women's health education workshops
Distribution of menstrual hygiene products
Prenatal and postnatal care services
Health screenings for common women’s health issues (e.g., breast cancer, cervical cancer)
Mental health support and counseling services
Awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive rights
Distribution of medications for common women’s health conditions
Training sessions for local healthcare providers on women’s health
Community outreach programs to educate women on preventive healthcare
Collaboration with local organizations to advocate for women’s health rights
Distribution of vitamins and supplements for women’s health
Health and wellness workshops focusing on nutrition and fitness
Provision of counseling for women facing gender-based violence
Safe space for women to share health concerns and seek advice
Support for women in menopause, including hormone therapy options
Workshops on managing chronic conditions affecting women
Offering a safe and confidential environment for family planning consultations
Promotion of self-care practices for women’s health