Pakistan’s female vaccinators

Transcript :

Pakistan’s female vaccinators are doing more than helping end a disease.

Women make up two-thirds of Pakistan’s polio workforce. It’s a startling statistic for a nation that ranks 145th out of 146 countries for gender parity in economic participation and opportunity, according to a World Economic Forum gender inequality index.

The role of female vaccinators is born of necessity.

Because of cultural norms, men are not allowed into many people’s homes in Pakistan.

Women who provide the health care are the key link.

They can build mom-to-mom relationships and provide trusted advice on not only polio but other health issues.

The female vaccinators’ work is neither safe nor easy. The women in Pakistan are sworn at, shoved, beaten, and some even killed.