Breaking Taboos, Building Trust: How Veena’s MAS Group is Advancing Family Planning in Dhanbad, India

After attending a three-day government training on family planning, I realized that knowledge alone is not enough, women need a safe space to speak, ask questions, and support one another. That is why I strengthened our MAS and encouraged regular meetings where women could openly discuss their health concerns.”

The MAS group soon became a trusted space where women could freely share their concerns related to their family’s health. One member, a mother of three young children in five years, was struggling to provide for her growing family. After attending MAS sessions, she and her husband decided to adopt a suitable family planning method that met their needs. It marked a turning point in their lives.

Veena’s tireless efforts transformed her village into a model for others. The impact went beyond family planning. It fostered a more informed and empowered community where women actively participated in household decisions.

PSI India under The Challenge Initiative India project supports the health system in strengthening MAS as a proven high-impact approach for advancing family planning and building healthier communities.