Roman for Mothers & Babies

Paramount Chief of Kasonko, Roman Lamina Baio Serry 3rd cares about the mothers and babies in his community.
Paramount Chief of Kasonko, Roman Lamina Baio Serry 3rd, has an amazing name and a story to go with it. He became known as Roman after visiting Rome and shaking hands with Pope. Never one to shy away from a photo opportunity, Paramount Chief Roman had his photo taken with the Pope and shared it with the community. Ever since he has been known as ‘Roman’.              On the subject of his daughters, his wife and the women in his community, Paramount Chief Roman becomes very serious. He takes the education and care of Fadugu’s women as seriously as he takes his own responsibilities as a leader. He explains that chiefs from districts gather on a monthly basis to meet and discuss important issues – the health of their women and the ‘welbodi’ of their children is always key on the agenda.  Roman tells us of a recent by-law passed which bans women from giving birth at home. Women are now obliged to stay in a birth-home attached to a clinic before they are due to give birth. He also explains the challenges that mothers and babies in his community face. Most women are primary breadwinners of the family, they cannot always afford to wait in birth-homes, nor bring their families with them. With food rarely provided, women must feed themselves for the duration of their stay which can go on for days on end. Roman is aware of their barriers, yet he remains a strong advocate for the women in his community despite the challenges.There is more work to be done but Roman’s spirit is calm, it remains hopeful.  

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