The second edition of the "Assises des Mam'Anges" conference took place on November 7 in Cotonou, Benin, at the Azalaï Hotel. The event, organized by the Mam'Ange Connect Foundation, aimed to break the silence surrounding perinatal grief and reproductive health. The conference brought together specialists in health, families who have experienced loss, and social actors to discuss the challenges and suffering associated with the loss of a child and fertility difficulties.
The conference, initiated by Clémence Kouadio Kouassi, founder and president of the Mam'Ange Connect Foundation, focused on creating a safe space for dialogue and psychological support. The event featured three specialists who provided insights and guidance on the various dimensions of perinatal grief and reproductive health. The conference addressed topics such as perinatal grief, the disappearance of a child at any age, and the psychological consequences of loss on parents.
The conference also explored fertility issues and reproductive health challenges. Participants benefited from moments of listening, sharing experiences, and group therapy, allowing them to put words to their experiences, better understand their difficulties, and identify paths to reconstruction. The foundation's goal extends beyond awareness-raising, aiming to contribute to a shift in the way bereaved families are perceived and to promote support systems that address their psychological and human needs.
The event was supported by the authorities, with the Minister of Social Affairs represented and a message of support from Huguette Bokpè Gnancadja, president of the National Women's Institute. The Mam'Ange Connect Foundation has been active in promoting women's mental health, combating gender-based violence, and preventing infant mortality since its creation in September 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire.
The foundation has implemented 31 activities over three years, including five editions of the "Assises des Mam'Anges" conferences in Abidjan and Cotonou. More than 800 women have benefited from its support, both in person and remotely. The foundation has also contributed to improving neonatal care, preserving the lives of several babies through medical equipment donations, including incubators and phototherapy lamps to the Bouaké University Hospital Center.
The Mam'Ange Connect Foundation plans to continue mobilizing around maternal and infant health, mental health, and fertility issues. The conference demonstrated the importance of community and support in addressing these challenges, and the foundation's efforts aim to create a more supportive environment for those affected by perinatal grief and reproductive health issues.
Key outcomes from the conference included the importance of community support, the need for psychological care, and the significance of addressing reproductive health challenges.
Key points
- The conference brought together over 800 women who have benefited from the Mam'Ange Connect Foundation's support.
- The foundation has implemented 31 activities over three years to promote women's mental health and prevent infant mortality.
- The event was supported by the authorities, including the Minister of Social Affairs and the National Women's Institute.
